Saudi-US Tensions Simmer

A dispute over oil risks causing irreparable harm to US relations with Saudi Arabia, a crucial partner for Washington in the Middle East.

Causes: Nearly two weeks on from a decision by OPEC+ to cut oil production, tensions are escalating. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan fired the most recent salvo, saying the US would consider changes to the security and military support it provides Riyadh.

“The president isn’t going to act precipitously,” Sullivan said on Sunday to CNN. Biden will “take his time to consult with members of both parties put over oil risks causing irreparable harm to US relations with Saudi Arabia, a crucial partner for Washington in the Middle East.

Effects: In response, officials across the Middle East have denied the supply decrease was politically motivated or a reflection of support for Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Defense Minister Khalid Bin Salman said the decision was “due to purely economic reasons,” while ministers from the UAE and Bahrain defended OPEC+. They also pushed back against the suggestion from the White House that Saudi Arabia coerced some wavering members of the cartel into supporting the move.

US military hardware has been essential to protecting Saudi Arabia for decades. Its air-defense systems have intercepted attacks on the kingdom's oil infrastructure and cities from Iranian proxies, while its navy patrols the Persian Gulf, through which much of the world’s oil is shipped.

What's in it for you: Saudi Arabia has recently said that the relationship is strategic and crucial to both sides. Still, soaring oil prices have emboldened Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, pushing the kingdom to take a more prominent role internationally and stand up for its interests against the US it sees as increasingly disengaged from Middle Eastern allies.

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