Rouhani urges Iran military to seek regional stability, remain vigilant
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called on Iran's armed forces on Friday to seek regional stability while maintaining vigilance against "provocations", state TV reported, according to Reuters.
The head of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards said on Thursday 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.
"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 Defence Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami by telephone.
In a phone call to Revolutionary Guards commander Major General Hossein Salami, Rouhani "referred to provocative actions by foreigners in the region and the need to maintain vigilance against these moves", Reuters reported.
The source reminds that the recent escalation came after Trump said on Wednesday he had instructed the U.S. Navy to fire on any Iranian ships that harass it at sea, though said later he was not changing the military’s rules of engagement.