President Donald Trump invited a group of Christian leaders into the Oval Office on Thursday, where they gathered around him and laid hands on him in prayer as the conflict involving Iran continues to escalate.

Video shared on social media showed the president seated behind the Resolute Desk while several pastors and evangelical leaders stood around him, placing their hands on his shoulders and offering prayers for guidance and protection.

Among those present were Trump’s longtime spiritual adviser Pastor Paula White, who also leads the White House Faith Office. California megachurch pastor Greg Laurie was also seen in the room, alongside pastor Jentezen Franklin and evangelical leader Johnnie Moore.

During the gathering, one of the participants prayed over the president and the United States, asking for divine guidance as the administration navigates the ongoing crisis.

"We are honoured to become before your presence today, lifting up our president," the prayer began.

"We pray for your continued blessing and favour to rest upon him. We pray for wisdom from heaven to guide his heart and mind, and that you will guide him in these challenging times we're facing today.

"I pray for your grace and protection over him...and over our troops. Father, we pray you'll continue to give our president the strength that he needs to lead our great nation. As we come back to one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

"We pray your heavenly blessing upon him, in Jesus' name." 

The prayer meeting comes as tensions continue to rise over the conflict involving Iran, with President Trump saying on Friday that there will be "no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender". 

Trump has frequently surrounded himself with evangelical advisers during his time in office and has often invited faith leaders to the White House for prayer and counsel.