Who has blamed Iran for the attacks?

Britain, the US and Saudi Arabia have blamed Iran for both last week’s and last month’s attacks, which Tehran has strongly denied.

Washington said limpet mines were used to attack the two tankers, and produced black-and-white footage it claimed showed Iranian Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) troops removing an unexploded mine from the hull of the Kokuka Courageous.

The administration was implying Tehran wanted to remove any evidence which could link it to the attack, as weapons experts would have been able to examine the mine for clues about its origin.

The US military also accused the IRGC of attempting to shoot down a US drone which had been surveilling the tankers during the attacks.

Footage 'shows Iran boat removing limpet mine from tanker', US military says

Jeremy Hunt, Britain’s foreign secretary, joined the US in blaming Iran for the attack and warned of the “great risk” of a drift to war with Tehran.

He said Britain was “almost certain” Iran was behind the attacks and said London did not believe anyone else could have conducted them.

Jeremy Hunt says UK 'almost certain' Iran to blame for oil tanker attacks

Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, has been working to convince other world leaders Iran was behind the attacks. Mr Pompeo said the US evidence was “unmistakable” and said “the world needs to unite” during appearances on American news shows on Sunday.

He said further US military deployment to the region was one of the options Mr Trump may consider to keep oil tankers moving through the area.

Trump blames Iran over oil tanker attacks

However, several European foreign ministers have said they are unconvinced by the US allegations and called for an independent UN investigation.