Saudi Arabia’s King Salman told US President Joe Biden on Tuesday that there would be “consequences” for Saudi Arabia’s backing of a production reduction by the oil cartel OPEC+ that has sent prices skyrocketing.
In an interview with CNN, Biden said, “There will be repercussions for what they’ve done to Russia.” “I will not elaborate on what I would consider and what I have in mind. Nonetheless, there will be repercussions, “he added.
Biden said that it is time for the United States to reconsider its relationship with the monarchy.
His comments were made days after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Russia, often known as OPEC+, decided to reduce output by 2 million barrels per day beginning in November. In a few days, oil prices increased by around 10% before dropping somewhat this week.
The Biden administration has responded angrily to the decision, accusing OPEC+ of collaborating with Russia as the Kremlin presses its conflict in Ukraine.
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the National Security Council, said earlier in the day that Vice President Biden was reassessing the United States’ relationship with Saudi Arabia.
During an interview with CNN, Kirby said, “This is a relationship that we must continue to assess, that we must be willing to revisit, and particularly in light of the OPEC decision, I believe that’s where he is.”
Kirby said that Biden is now prepared to rework the US-Saudi relationship in collaboration with Congress.
“The president is plainly dissatisfied with the OPEC decision and is eager to collaborate with Congress as we consider the future of our relationship with Saudi Arabia,” he added. “He will be eager to initiate these chats immediately.”
Last week, congressional Democrats filed legislation mandating the withdrawal of vital US military equipment and personnel stationed in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
