British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he hopes "there will be a Trump deal" with Iran on its nuclear program.

Johnson told "NBC Nightly News" host Lester Holt he wants a "better deal" than the agreement worked out under former President Obama, which he said had "many defects."

"Let's do a better deal," Johnson said. "I think there's one guy who can do a better deal ... and that is the president of the United States. I hope there will be a Trump deal."

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The prime minister praised President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE as a "very, very brilliant negotiator" in the NBC News interview. He did not say whether he and Trump discussed opening negotiations with Tehran again, saying, "You must ask the president about that."

Trump withdrew from the Obama administration's nuclear deal with Iran last year, calling its terms too friendly for Tehran, which he accused of violating the accord. His administration has since implemented a series of sanctions, prompting the Iranian supreme leader to reject any potential talks with the United States.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened following an attack on Saudi oil facilities, which was claimed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran has denied participation in the attacks.

Johnson said he is "virtually certain" the attack was from Iran.

"We have no other workable hypothesis about how that happened," Johnson said. "So that presents the world with a very difficult scenario, very difficult position. How do we respond?"