Iran Launches Missiles Amid Nuclear Negotiations
On Tuesday, Iran launched live missiles into the Strait of Hormuz, briefly interrupting traffic in this vital oil passage. This coincided with high-stakes nuclear talks in Geneva, where President Trump’s representatives were meeting Iranian officials. At the same time, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned that American warships could be sent to the “bottom of the ocean.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) reported the missile launches during an exercise they termed “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz.” Their drone operations were carried out under conditions of signal jamming, a tactical move likely to demonstrate their capabilities.
The Strait of Hormuz is arguably one of the most crucial maritime routes globally, with around 20% of the world’s oil supply passing through it.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tansiri, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards Navy, stated that Iran is ready to close this waterway if directed by top leadership. “The decision rests with senior leaders,” he mentioned, affirming military readiness for such an order.
This missile test occurred as Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with Jared Kushner, was engaged in indirect nuclear negotiations in Geneva. Just a day prior, Trump indicated he would be “indirectly” involved in talks, asserting that while Iran may seek a deal, his administration is cautious about the repercussions of failing to secure one. “I don’t think they want the consequences,” Trump commented aboard Air Force One.
Khamenei ramped up his rhetoric as discussions unfolded. He criticized the U.S. Navy’s presence, claiming that while U.S. aircraft carriers pose a threat, it’s actually “even more dangerous than warships are the weapons that send them to the bottom of the ocean.” In another statement, he branded the U.S. “a corrupt and oppressive empire” that is on the decline, suggesting that even the country’s powerful military could one day face overwhelming aggression.
Khamenei directly addressed Trump as well, stating that the U.S. president had recognized Washington’s failure to dismantle the Islamic Republic over the years—an acknowledgment he described as a note of futility for the U.S.
The backdrop of missile drills and threats comes amid an apparent U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, with the administration seeking to bolster both diplomatic efforts and military readiness. Recent reports indicated expanded air defense and naval deployments intended to protect U.S. forces and to prepare in case negotiations collapse.
Despite the increased U.S. military presence, Iranian commanders have undermined these actions. General Mohammad Reza Nagdi, an adviser to the Revolutionary Guards, recently remarked that even with all U.S. aircraft carriers near Iran, there would be “nothing we could do.” He declared, “America is finished,” contending that it lacks the capability for invasion and finds itself “drowning in humiliation.”
The live-fire exercises, threats against U.S. warships, and provocations aimed at Trump underscore the precarious situation surrounding the Geneva negotiations. Currently, the U.S. administration is maintaining a dual strategy—seeking a deal while preparing for potential escalation. Trump reiterated, “They want a deal. But if we don’t, it will be a bad day for Iran.”
