WATCH: Leader Issues Grave Warning: Warships Risk Being Sent to Seabed in Response to Trump’s Provocations

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei asserted on Tuesday that despite claims of having the world’s most powerful military, as often repeated by Trump, even such a force can be dealt a blow that leaves it unable to recover. His remarks were made during an address to a gathering from East Azarbaijan Province.

He commented on the situation by noting that while the deployment of an aircraft carrier near Iran is a significant military move, the true threat lies in the weaponry that has the potential to sink such a vessel.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that Trump’s acknowledgment of Washington’s inability to dismantle the Islamic Republic over the last 47 years constitutes “quite an admission.”

“For 47 years, the United States has been unsuccessful in dismantling the Islamic Republic,” he declared. In reference to Trump, he added, “I assert this: you will also not succeed in doing so in the future.”

The warning coincides with Trump’s deployment of military forces to the area, heightening tensions with threats to initiate strikes against Iran.

On February 12, US officials announced that the Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier to the region. This move is accompanied by the reinforcement of thousands of additional troops, as well as the deployment of fighter aircraft and guided-missile destroyers.

“In the event that an agreement is not reached, we’ll find it necessary,” Trump stated on Friday, referencing the USS Gerald R. Ford.

The escalation of military forces coincides with indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding the nuclear matter. This development follows months after the US-Israeli actions on Iranian territory and assaults on non-aggressive nuclear installations.

Analysts suggest that Trump is leveraging the threat of military action as a strategic tool to extract concessions from Tehran in ongoing negotiations. In response, Iranian authorities have underscored their preparedness for both diplomatic engagement and potential conflict, cautioning that any assault on Iran could trigger a broader regional conflict.

On Sunday, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, issued a stern warning to Trump concerning his aggressive war rhetoric.

“Trump needs to be aware that he would be engaging in a confrontation that provides stern lessons, the result of which would prevent him from issuing threats globally,” he stated.

It is Unwise to Presume the Outcome of Discussions

In another segment of his speech, Ayatollah Khamenei addressed the continuing indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

He stated that Trump’s comments, which alternate between issuing threats and dictating actions, illustrate an attempt to exert dominance over the Iranian nation.

He stated, “They propose negotiations concerning our nuclear energy, anticipating that the result would be our relinquishment of it.” He further criticized this approach, noting, “Predetermining the outcome even before discussions commence is both erroneous and unwise.”

“This is exactly the misguided strategy being employed by American leaders, including certain senators and the current administration,” he stated.

The Iranian populace is well-versed in their Islamic and Shi’i teachings, as noted by the Leader. Citing Imam Hussein, he stated, “Someone like me would never pledge allegiance to someone like Yazid.”

“The Iranian nation is expressing a unified sentiment: a people with such a rich culture, history, and elevated values will never swear fealty to the corrupt officials presently leading the United States,” he stated.

Iran is currently experiencing a period of mourning.

In other developments, Ayatollah Khamenei expressed that the nation is in a state of mourning following the recent foreign-supported riots that resulted in thousands of fatalities. He emphasized, “We are in mourning for the blood that was shed.”

He categorized the victims into three distinct groups. The first group, he noted, comprised security and health personnel, including police officers, Basij members, and Revolutionary Guard officials, whom he lauded as “among the highest martyrs.”

The second group comprised bystanders who lost their lives during the chaos. “They are also martyrs,” he remarked, highlighting that they perished amidst “the enemy’s sedition.”

The Leader identified the third group involved in the riots as individuals who had been misled into participating. Referring to them as “our own children,” he noted that some had reached out to him with messages of remorse. Additionally, he highlighted that authorities have acknowledged those who lost their lives among them as martyrs.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated that while ringleaders supported by foreign adversaries pose a significant threat, all other individuals should be met with prayers and forgiveness.

On January 8 and 9, external forces supported armed insurgents and terrorists who co-opted initially peaceful and scattered demonstrations expressing economic grievances.

The violence, openly supported by the United States and the Israeli administration, led to significant damage to both public and private property. This included the widespread destruction of shops, governmental institutions, public service facilities, and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and security personnel.

Iranian officials have confirmed the direct involvement of American and Israeli intelligence agencies, accusing them of providing financial resources, training, and media support to individuals participating in riots and armed activities on the streets.

Iran’s official records indicate that a total of 3,117 individuals lost their lives in the disturbances, which includes 2,427 civilians and security officials reportedly killed by terrorist activities.