US foreign policy helping oil price up-Iran

DOHA, April 23 (Reuters) The foreign policy of the United States is partly responsible for driving oil prices to record highs, Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri said on Sunday.

''Yes, this is one of the reasons,'' the minister told reporters, adding that speculation, concern over shortages of gasoline, and political tensions were also factors.

Concern that Iran's nuclear confrontation with the West over its nuclear policy may result in a U.S. strike on the Islamice republic has pushed oil prices over a barrel.

Vaziri has said the row will not affect Iran's oil exports.

REUTERS MP PM1319