Trump calls for more 'surgical' strikes on Hezbollah

US President Donald Trump has called for more "surgical" attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, while at the same time saying he was "very close" to a deal with Iran.

The comments, made to NBC's Meet the Press programme in an interview recorded on Friday but broadcast on Sunday, have been interpreted as a tacit blessing of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs.

“I would like to see Lebanon experience a better life. I would like to see a more surgical attack against Hezbollah. I think it should be more surgical,” Trump said.