The head of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami (Source: Reuters)

The ambassador was given a message to pass on to the US that Iran will strongly defend its maritime rights in the Gulf and will respond to any threat.

Iran will destroy US warships if its security is threatened in the Gulf, the head of Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Hossein Salami told state TV on Thursday, a day after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran against “harassment” of US vessels.