US President Donald Trump has said Israeli strikes on Beirut “should not have happened” as he vowed a regional peace deal was at hand, though he did not confirm reports it would be signed during the day, AFP reports.

“We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” Trump said on social media.

“This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let’s not blow it!”