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

Axar.az reports citing foreign media that "these were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Reuters cited him as saying.

He suggested he had seen evidence of Iran’s involvement cited earlier by White House National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Earlier, Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week. Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right."

Four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, off the UAE coast, were attacked on May 12. Tehran has denied involvement.