7 hours ago
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said President Joe Biden will act “in an orderly and methodical manner” in re-evaluating relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following OPEC Plus Group’s decision to cut production. of oil, but his options include changes regarding the security support provided by his country to the largest oil exporter.
Jake Sullivan said “Biden has no plans to meet the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, during the G-20 summit to be held next month in Indonesia.”
Washington has criticized Riyadh for its deal with OPEC allies (OPEC Plus) to reduce oil production.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman said the decision was made unanimously and for purely economic reasons. He tweeted that he was “surprised” by allegations that Saudi Arabia would side with Russia – its oil-producing colleague – in its war with Ukraine.
Speaking on CNN, Sullivan said no changes were imminent in U.S.-Saudi Arabian relations as Biden reevaluated them.
“So the president will not act recklessly. He will act methodically and strategically and will take his time to consult with members of both sides, as well as give opportunities until Congress returns (from hiatus), so that he can consult with them in person and work through your options. “
The day after oil producer group OPEC Plus announced production cuts in light of the US objection, Biden pledged to impose “consequences” on Saudi Arabia for siding with Russia in supporting the cuts.
OPEC Plus’ move undermines plans by Western countries to impose a ceiling on Russian oil export prices in response to Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
photo released, Getty Images
Sullivan said Biden has no plans to meet the Saudi crown prince during the G-20 summit
US Senator Bob Menendez, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has called for most US arms sales to Saudi Arabia to be suspended following the OPEC + move.
Asked whether Biden would consider Russia’s use of a small tactical nuclear weapon, or the detonation of one of those weapons in the Black Sea, as less dangerous than a larger bomb, Sullivan said it was “dangerous” to do so. distinctions and the president would not. .
“Using a nuclear weapon on the battlefield in Ukraine means using a nuclear weapon on the battlefield in Ukraine,” he added. “We will not cut the sausage into slices,” she added.
