SAWT BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL

| 26 April 2024, Friday |

U.S. reviewing ‘response options’ on Saudi relations after OPEC+ cuts, Blinken says

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Thursday that the US is considering multiple alternatives for its relationship with Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and other OPEC+ nations agreed this week to major cuts in oil production.

“In terms of the future relationship (with Riyadh), we’re considering several options. We are working closely with Congress “Blinken stated this during a press appearance in Lima with his Peruvian counterpart.

Blinken did not specify what steps Washington was considering. Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration has been mulling a response after the OPEC+ oil producers, which include Russia, agreed on Wednesday to slash production.

Democrats in the U.S. Congress called on Thursday to slash military sales to Saudi Arabia. Some lawmakers question Washington’s security ties with Riyadh, angered by civilian deaths in Saudi-led military operations in Yemen as well as alleged human rights abuses.

 

Biden’s administration worries that decreased oil output could push up the price of gasoline right before the Nov. 8 U.S. midterm elections, when Democrats will defend their control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Biden has yet to announce what steps Washington might take in response to the cuts. Blinken said during the news conference in Peru that Washington would not do anything that infringes upon its interests.

“That’s, first and foremost, what will guide us, and we will keep all of those interests in mind and consult closely with all the relevant stakeholders as we decide on any steps going forward,” Blinken said.

    Source:
  • Reuters