Pompeo defends Soleimani killing, slams Europe

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Friday criticised European countries for t being "helpful", while he defended President Donald Trump's decision to launch a strike that killed prominent Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

" Brits, French, Germans all need to understand that what we did, what Americans did, saved lives in Europe as well... This was a good thing for entire world," he told Fox News host Sean Hannity.

targeting of Soleimani, he of Iran's elite Quds Force, was arguably most provocative US military action in Middle East since President George W. Bush launched 2003 Iraq war to topple Sdam Hussein.

killing came as Trump sought to apply increased pressure on Iran through ecomic sanctions to abandon its nuclear weapons programme, while Tehran countered with provocative attacks on US military and oil facilities in region.

By taking out Soleimani, Trump signaled to Iran that his patience has worn thin over long, simmering conflagration.