Reuters - Iran will destroy U.S. warships if Tehran�s security is threatened in the Gulf, head of Iran�s elite Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told state TV on Thursday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran over �harassment� of U.S. ships.

�I have ordered our naval forces to destroy any American terrorist force in the Persian Gulf that threatens security of Iran�s military or non-military ships,� Salami told state TV.

�Security of the Persian Gulf is part of Iran�s strategic priorities.�

Trump said on Wednesday he had instructed the U.S. Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea, but said later he was not changing the military�s rules of engagement.

Writing by Parisa Hafezi; Editing by Alison Williams