Reuters - President Hassan Rouhani on Friday called on Iran�s armed forces to seek regional stability while maintaining vigilance and a strong presence, state TV reported, as a war of words escalated with arch-enemy the United States.

The head of Iran�s elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday that Tehran would destroy U.S. warships if its security is threatened in the Gulf, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran over �harassment� of U.S. vessels. [nL5N2CB495]

�We must carefully follow strategies ensuring the sustainable stability of the region while maintaining vigilance and authoritative presence in the area,� state TV quoted Rouhani as telling Iran�s defence minister by telephone.

Reporting by Dubai newsroom; Editing by Catherine Evans