Leaked documents reveal Mohammed bin Salman’s alleged vow to retaliate in oil production dispute
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, privately issued a warning to harm the American economy as the leaked materials obtained by the Washington Post reportedly reveal. The threat came after President Joe Biden cautioned Saudi Arabia about the “consequences” of its oil production cut agreement with Russia. The Biden administration had previously indicated a reassessment of relations with Saudi Arabia following the kingdom’s decision to reduce crude production against the wishes of the US.
In the leaked classified document, the Crown Prince reportedly expressed that he would no longer engage with the US administration if Saudi Arabia faced penalties from Biden. He further promised significant economic repercussions for Washington, according to the Post. While it remains unclear whether the remark was intercepted or privately communicated to the US, the disclosure occurred on a Discord server.
Biden had expressed dissatisfaction with Riyadh in October when the OPEC+ group, including Russia, agreed to cut daily production by two million barrels. During an interview with CNN, the US president hinted at forthcoming consequences for Saudi Arabia’s actions related to Russia, although he did not specify the measures.
While Biden had pledged to treat Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” due to the Crown Prince’s alleged involvement in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, this threat did not materialize. Insiders from the White House have indicated that the administration decided against jeopardizing bilateral relations. The long-standing arrangement between the US and Saudi Arabia involves security support from the US in exchange for access to Saudi Arabia’s oil, which the kingdom trades for dollars, thus supporting its global currency status.
Recently, several top US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, traveled to Saudi Arabia, showcasing ongoing relations. However, reports suggest that personal chemistry between Biden and MBS is reportedly strained, with no meetings taking place since July of the previous year. Privately, the 37-year-old Crown Prince allegedly ridicules Biden, mocking his verbal slips and lapses. Critics of the US president have accused him of yielding to Saudi pressure.
News analysis: Saudi Crown Prince’s warning
The news above highlights a significant development in the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. According to the report, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately threatened to harm the American economy in response to President Joe Biden’s warning to Saudi Arabia over its oil production cut agreement with Russia. The Biden administration had expressed its intention to re-evaluate relations with the kingdom following Saudi Arabia’s decision to reduce crude production against US interests.
The leaked documents, cited by the Washington Post, indicate that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, warned that he would cease dealing with the US administration if Saudi Arabia faced penalties from Biden. He also allegedly promised major economic consequences for Washington. The origins of this threat remain unclear, as it was contained in a classified document leaked on a Discord server, leaving uncertainty whether it was intercepted communication or a private message.
This incident reflects the tension between the two countries, particularly in relation to energy policies and human rights concerns. Biden’s dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia’s oil production cut, in the context of ongoing tensions with Russia, was evident in his previous statement about “consequences” for Saudi actions. However, despite his earlier pledge to treat Saudi Arabia as a “pariah” due to the alleged involvement of MBS in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the Biden administration chose not to take action that would strain bilateral relations. This decision likely factors in the long-standing security arrangement between the US and Saudi Arabia, where the US provides security support in exchange for access to Saudi Arabia’s oil.
The report also sheds light on the strained personal chemistry between Biden and MBS, with the Crown Prince reportedly mocking Biden in private over his verbal gaffes and mental lapses. Critics of Biden have accused him of capitulating to Saudi pressure. However, despite this strained dynamic, top US officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing ongoing relations between the two nations.
Overall, this news highlights the complex relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, encompassing energy cooperation, human rights concerns, and geopolitical considerations. The leaked documents and the threats mentioned therein underscore the fragility and potential repercussions of this crucial alliance.
SOURCE: RT
