Pompeo says Iran attacked oil tankers to raise global oil price

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, saying it was an effort by Tehran to raise the global price of oil.

"These wereefforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout theworld," Pompeo told reporters shortly before leaving on a trip to Europe.

He suggested he hadseen evidence of Iran's involvement cited earlier on Thursday by White HouseNational Security Adviser John Bolton.

Speaking in London,Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to theUnited Nations Security Council next week.

Asked if he hadseen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got itright."

Arab leaders aremeeting in the Saudi city of Mecca to discuss drone strikes on oilinstallations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Sauditankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month.

Tehran has denied involvement.U.S. envoy to Iran Brian Hook on Thursday warned that the United States will respond with military force if its interests are attacked by Iran.