US-Saudi Arms 'Megadeal' Collapses Over The Kingdom's Ties To Russia And China

A visitor passes the Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX) logo at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, on 22 June 2023 (Reuters)  

The Cradle: US-Saudi arms 'megadeal' collapses over Russia, China links: Report 

A major US weapons maker called off a multibillion-dollar deal over their Saudi partner's alleged collaboration with Russian and Chinese companies 

US weapons maker RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, scrubbed a multibillion deal with Saudi firm Scopa Defense earlier this year over “concerns” that the latter was pursuing business with sanctioned Russian and Chinese companies, according to people familiar with the deal that spoke with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Saudi-US arms deal called off over ties to sanctioned Russian, Chinese firms: Report (Middle East Eye)  

Update #2: US arms maker cancels deal with Saudi firm over alleged ties to Russia, China: Report (Press TV)  

WNU Editor: This deal involved installing radars and multiple air defense systems in Saudi Arabia with an investment of $25 billion in the kingdom and $17 worth of sales.

U.S. Senate Subpoenas Saudi Arabia’s $700bn Sovereign Wealth Fund On Its Dealings In The U.S.

CNBC: Senate subpoenas Saudi Public Investment Fund’s U.S. subsidiary for info on PGA-LIV Golf deal 

* A Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations held a second hearing on the deal to merge LIV Golf and PGA Tour.

* Sen. Richard Blumenthal, chairman of the subcommittee, subpoenaed the Saudi Public Investment Fund for information related to the merger and other U.S. investments. 

* Holdings by the PIF have grown from around $2.5 billion in 2018 to over $35 billion today, according to the committee. 

WASHINGTON — Bipartisan members of a Senate subcommittee on homeland security demanded transparency Wednesday from a Saudi Arabian investment fund at its second hearing on the controversial deal to merge PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf. 

“Saudi Arabia’s bid to buy professional golf in America is not just one investment in a vacuum,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said on Capitol Hill. “It is instead part of a web of growing investments in this country. 

They are largely unknown and they are almost entirely without oversight.” Blumenthal announced that he had issued a subpoena on Wednesday to USSA International LLC, the PIF’s wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, for documents related to the PGA Tour-LIV Golf deal and other U.S. investments.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Human rights organizations have been pushing for years to have US authorities investigate Soverign Funds like Saudi Arabia's .... HRW: US must investigate, regulate Saudi Arabia PIF (Middle East Monitor). The problem is that these funds are massive pools of capital that can have a huge impact on a country's economy and investment climate. 

Saudi Arabia so happens to be one of the whales when it comes to these type of funds, and "ticking them off" is going to result in a backlash not only from Saudi Arabia, but from other sovereign funds who do not want their dealings made public by a US Senate Subcommittee which I can easily predict will be leaked. 

U.S. Senate Subpoenas Saudi Arabia’s $700bn Sovereign Wealth Fund On Its Dealings In The U.S. 

Senate subpoenas Saudi’s $700bn sovereign wealth fund over US dealings -- The Guardian 

Senator subpoenas Saudis for documents on LIV-PGA Tour deal -- ESPN/AP 

Saudi Arabia's PIF representatives ordered to appear before US government over PGA Tour relationship -- SKY Sports  

The US Senate is demanding details about the Saudi wealth fund’s golf deal -- Quartz  

Senate Subpoenas Saudi Wealth Fund as It Probes PGA-LIV Merger -- Democracy Now

Are The Saudis (And Russia) Trying To Infleunce the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

Axios: The Saudis will have a say in U.S. elections 

Saudi Arabia's extension of oil production cuts until the end of 2023 or longer helps ensure energy prices will become an election 2024 debate.  

Why it matters: U.S. gasoline prices, which have been on the rise, are closely tethered to global oil prices. Meanwhile, the presidential campaign season is heating up — and voters already give the White House low marks on the economy. 

If sustained, "crude price strength could weigh on President Joe Biden's re-election bid," ClearView Energy Partners said in a note. 

Read more .... 

Update: How might Saudi Arabia's oil confrontation with the Biden Administration play out? (Rystadenergy)  

WNU Editor: The Russians are also being blamed for high oil prices .... Russia And Saudi Arabia Extend Oil Production Cuts (September 5, 2023). 

As to what is my take. 

I am sure the Russians and the Saudis want the Biden administration gone, and if higher oil prices is the recipe, so be it. But I also sure the White House and its mainstream media supporters are now trying to shape the narrative that high gas prices at the pumps is not due to the fault of the Biden administration, but to regimes hostile to America.

Saudi Crown Prince Salman Threatened ‘Major’ Economic Pain On U.S. If It Retaliated Against Oil Cuts

US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.Bandar Algaloud/Reuters 

Washington Post: Saudi crown prince threatened ‘major’ economic pain on U.S. amid oil feud 

Last fall, President Biden vowed to impose “consequences” on Saudi Arabia for its decision to slash oil production amid high energy prices and fast-approaching elections in the United States. 

In public, the Saudi government defended its actions politely via diplomatic statements. But in private, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman threatened to fundamentally alter the decades-old U.S.-Saudi relationship and impose significant economic costs on the United States if it retaliated against the oil cuts, according to a classified document obtained by The Washington Post.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Saudi's crown prince promised pain for the US if it retaliated against oil cuts, report says. His threat seems to have paid off (Insider)  

Update #2: Saudi Crown Prince threatened to damage US economy – media (RT)  

WNU Editor: More signs that that the decades long alliance between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia is now unraveling.

US Secretary Of State Antony Blinken Meets With Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

 

Reuters: Saudi Crown Prince, Blinken Had 'Candid' Talks in Jeddah -US Official 

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Reuters) -U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had an "open, candid" conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the early hours of Wednesday about a wide range of bilateral issues, a U.S. official said. 

The top U.S. diplomat arrived in Saudi Arabia late on Tuesday for a much anticipated visit amid frayed ties due to deepening disagreements on everything from Iran policy to regional security issues, oil prices and human rights. 

Washington has struggled to steady the relationship with Riyadh, where the de facto ruler Prince Mohammed has dominated the decision-making, and as the traditional oil-for-security alliance crumbled under the emergence of the United States as a major oil producer.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: U.S. and Saudi relations are definitely strained, and one meeting between the Crown Prince and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is going to solve nothing. 

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.s next big trip to mend fences is China .... Blinken planning to visit China in coming weeks (CNN). 

US Secretary Of State Antony Blinken Meets With Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman  

Antony Blinken meets MBS: Secretary of State shakes hands and holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince - 24 hours after LIV and PGA announced historic merger -- Daily Mail 

Blinken, Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Terrorism, Yemen -- VOA

 Blinken meets with Saudi crown prince -- The Hill  

Blinken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman -- CNN  

linken meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid strained relations -- FOX News  

Blinken visits Saudi Arabia to work on strained ties -- DW

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan Is In Saudi Arabia For Talks

File photo: Jake Sullivan, the White House's adviser on national security, is shown speaking at the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, September 20, 2022. © Jonathan Ernst, Reuters  

France 24: President Joe Biden's national security adviser to visit Saudi Arabia  

President Joe Biden's national security adviser said on Thursday he will travel to Saudi Arabia at the weekend for talks with Saudi leaders as well as Indian and Emirati officials. 

  "This weekend I will be in Saudi Arabia for meetings with its leadership," Jake Sullivan said in a speech to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a think tank in Washington.

Sullivan's trip, which starts on Saturday, comes as relations between Washington and Riyadh have been strained since Biden's visit to the kingdom in July 2022, even though the two countries are collaborating in many areas, including recently on the crisis in Sudan. 

"My (United Arab Emirates) and Indian counterparts will come to Saudi Arabia as well for meetings so that we can discuss new area of cooperation between New Delhi and the Gulf as well as the United States and the rest of the region, fueled in part by the comprehensive economic partnership signed last year between India and the UAE," Sullivan said,  

Read more ....  

Update: Biden dispatching top aide to meet with Saudi crown prince (AP)  

Update #2: US national security advisor to meet with MbS (The Cradle)  

WNU Editor: U.S. - Saudi relations are the worse that I have seen in my lifetime. This trip by US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is going to change nothing, and neither will US Secretary of State Blinken's trip to the Kingdom next month .... Biden’s top national security officials plan separate visits to Saudi Arabia (Bloomberg). 

Good relations and diplomacy is built on relationships. There is none between US President Biden and Crown Prince Salman. In fact, there is nothing but contempt between the two leaders. The only reason why they are still talking to each other is because there is they do share some common ground on certain policies.

CIA Director Tells Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman That The Biden Administration Was Blindsided By Riyadh’s Surprised Normalization Deal With Tehran Brokered By Beijing

CIA director Bill Burns (L) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R). Al Drago/Pool via REUTERS; Saudi Press Agency/Handout via REUTERS  

Antiwar.com: CIA Director Tells Saudis the US Was Blindsided By Iran Normalization  

Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to reopen their embassies on Thursday after their foreign ministers met in China  

CIA Director William Burns visited Saudi Arabia earlier this week to express frustration over Riyadh’s surprise normalization deal with Tehran that was brokered by Beijing, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. 

According to the Journal, Burns told Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the US “has felt blindsided” by Riyadh’s rapprochement with Iran as well as Syria, two nations under crippling US economic sanctions. 

Following the deal with Iran, Saudi Arabia is poised to normalize with Syria. Riyadh is expected to invite Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to an Arab League summit it’s hosting in May. The Biden administration is against regional countries upgrading ties with Syria as it prefers to keep the country isolated as US policy is to prevent reconstruction.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: You would think that America's intelligence agencies with their massive budgets and tens of thousands of personnel would have noticed that Beijing was brokering a peace agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, but apparently they did not. 

But what is telling about CIA Director William Burns visit to Saudi Arabia to tell the Crown Prince that the administration is displeased with the Iran - Saudi peace agreement and soon to be rapprochement with Syrian President Assad, is that he was the one who was sent to give the message. 

It was not President Biden or Vice President Harris in a phone call. It was not US Secretary of State Blinken or Secretary of Defense Austin. It was certainly not National Security Adviser Sullivan. They sent the  CIA Director William Burns to meet the de-facto ruler of one of America's critical allies. I think the reason why he was chosen to give this message is that he is probably the only one that the Saudis still respect and are on speaking terms.

Did The Biden Administration Conduct A Review On The Current State Of U.S. - Saudi Relations?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right) welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden to Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on July 15, 2022. | Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP Photo  

Politico: Biden’s informal review of Saudi Arabia 

The Biden administration just can’t quit Saudi Arabia. After Riyadh-led OPEC+ cut oil production last year, a move that would bulge Russia’s wallet, the administration promised to reevaluate the state of the U.S.-Saudi relationship. 

President JOE BIDEN even threatened “consequences” for the kingdom, a signal that the decadeslong cozy relationship was poised for a downgrade. 

Many months later, there haven’t been any consequences or shifts. CIA Director WILLIAM BURNS even made an unannounced visit to Saudi this week to reaffirm close intelligence ties between Washington and Riyadh. 

The reason is that the administration never actually conducted a formal review, per multiple U.S. officials NatSec Daily spoke to. There were numerous inter-agency discussions and sensitive diplomatic conversations during the course of the normal policy making process. But there was neither a determined start to the reevaluation, nor will there be an end. It’s an ongoing, amorphous conversation. 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: In the Middle East the US is getting the reputation of all talk and bluster, but no action. And sending a submarine to the region is not going to impress anyone .... US Deploys Guided-Missile Submarine To The Middle East.

 

Marketwatch: Here’s what is really behind OPEC+ oil-production cuts, say energy analysts 

An unexpected production cut announced on Sunday by OPEC+ oil producers complicates strained relations between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, with investors seeing signs of geopolitical posturing in the decision. 

However, some market analysts contend the cuts were less about sending a message to Washington and more about stabilizing oil prices amid fears of recession, as well as protecting the supply and demand balances. 

Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on Sunday announced they would slash a further combined 1.16 million barrels per day of oil production from May until the end of 2023. Russia, stinging from price caps and embargoes on its energy products as a result of its invasion of Ukraine, said it would extend its 500,000 barrel-a-day production cut through year-end. Together OPEC and its allies, led by Russia, make up the group known as OPEC+.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The US was caught completely off-guard by this OPEC+ decision to cut oil production. This is a surprise because China, India, and a few other big oil consumers were given a heads-up that this was going to happen. 

I see this as another indication on how strained U.S. - Saudi ties have become, and how furious the Saudis are with the Biden administration's determination to bring down the price of oil via through price caps and selling America's strategic oil reserve on the open markets. 

Bottom line. 

Expect $100/barrel in the coming months, and a return to higher gas prices by this summer .... Gas prices will surge in coming weeks after OPEC cuts production, analysts say (FOX News).

White House Say They Were Kept Informed On Talks Between Iran And Saudi Arabia

John Kirby, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications, answers questions during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein  

Reuters: Saudis kept U.S. informed on talks with Iran - White House 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia kept Washington informed of its talks with Iran to restore diplomatic relations but the United States was not directly involved, White House spokesman John Kirby said on Friday. 

The road map announced on Friday appeared to be the result of several rounds of talks, including some held in Baghdad and Oman, Kirby said, adding that the United States has supported that process as promoting an end to the war in Yemen and to what he termed Iranian aggression: 

"The Saudis did keep us informed about these talks that they were having, just as we keep them informed on our engagements, but we weren't directly involved."  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: What can the White House say. The Saudis may have kept the US in the loop, but the Americans were clearly not invited to the table.

White House Says Saudi Crown Prince Has Immunity In The Khashoggi Killing Lawsuit

The Biden administration declared Thursday that Saudi Arabia's crown prince should be considered immune from a lawsuit over his role in the killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi, saying his position should 'shield' him  

Reuters: Biden administration says Saudi prince has immunity in Khashoggi killing lawsuit 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Biden administration ruled on Thursday that Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has immunity from a lawsuit over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, drawing immediate condemnation from the slain journalist's former fiancee. 

Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in October 2018 by Saudi agents in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, an operation which U.S. intelligence believed was ordered by Prince Mohammed, who has been the kingdom's de facto ruler for several years. 

"Jamal died again today," Khashoggi's ex-fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, said on Twitter minutes after the news became public. She added later: "We thought maybe there would be a light to justice from #USA But again, money came first."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Khashoggi's family are not happy .... 'Jamal died again today': Khashoggi's ex-fiancée says Biden 'betrayed his word' and 'saved a murderer' after administration declared Saudi Crown Prince MBS should be IMMUNE from lawsuit over journalist's murder (Daily Mail). 

White House Says Saudi Crown Prince Has Immunity In The Khashoggi Killing Lawsuit 

U.S. moves to shield Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Khashoggi killing -- AP  

Biden administration says Mohammed bin Salman should be granted sovereign immunity in Khashoggi civil case -- The Guardian 

US determines Saudi Crown Prince is immune in case brought by Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée -- CNN  

Biden Administration Calls For Immunity For Saudi Crown Price In Khashoggi Case -- OilPrice.com

Saudi Energy Minister Blasts The US Release Of Oil Reserves 'To Manipulate Markets'

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman did not single out the US in his comments about emergency stocks Fayez Nureldine AFP  

RFI/AFP: Saudi blasts release of oil reserves 'to manipulate markets' 

Riyadh (AFP) – Saudi Arabia's energy minister on Tuesday blasted the release of emergency oil stocks as an attempt to "manipulate markets", the latest apparent salvo in a spat with Washington over oil production. 

 "People are depleting their emergency stocks, had depleted it, used it as a mechanism to manipulate markets while its profound purpose was to mitigate shortage of supply," Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman told an investor conference in the Saudi capital. 

"However, it is my profound duty to make it clear to the world that losing emergency stock may become painful in the months to come."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Talk about the tea pot calling the coffee kettle black. 

U.S. and Saudi business leaders are saying relations will improve in the future between the US and Saudi Arabia .... US and Saudi Arabia Will Work Out Spat, Dimon and Falih Say (Bloomberg). 

I disagree. 

Saudi Arabia is establishing alternative alliances and economic relationships with other countries for the sole purpose of distancing themselves away from the US. I certainly do not see the Saudis changing this policy to placate the White House. Certainly not with the current US administration.

Update: This is going to irk some in Washington .... Saudi Arabia 'maturer guys' in spat with U.S. -energy minister (Reuters).

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Is 'Mocking' President Biden Behind His Back

Biden met the Saudi Crown Prince during his July trip to Saudi Arabia. [File: Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via Reuters]  

Daily Mail: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 'mocks Biden, 79, by making fun of his gaffes and questioning his mental acuity', shocking report claims after Kingdom rejected US bid to delay oil deal until after the midterms 

* MBS has told advisers he has not been impressed with Biden since his time as vice president and 'much preferred' President Trump 

* MBS's disdain was on full display when he led OPEC+ in a decision to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day, jacking up gas prices 

* Biden during a CNN interview last week that there would be 'consequences' for the decision led by Riyadh 

* The Saudis now too say they are looking to reevaluate their relationship with the U.S. 

* One drastic option that has been suggested is the selling of U.S. Treasury bonds if Congress passes anti-OPEC legislation, with the Saudis holding nearly $120B 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is no fan of President Biden, according to a new report. 

The 37-year-old Saudi ruler 'mocks President Biden in private, making fun of the 79-year-old's gaffes and questioning his mental acuity,' Saudi government insiders told the Wall Street Journal. 

The crown prince, colloquially known as MBS, has told advisers he has not been impressed with Biden since his time as vice president and 'much preferred' President Trump.  

Read more ....  

Update: Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman mocked Biden in private questioned mental state: report (FOX News)  

WNU Editor: The Saudi kingdom is denying these reports .... Saudi FM denies MBS privately derided US President Biden (Al Jazeera). The White House is not buying it .... Jean-Pierre slams Saudi prince MBS for ‘ridiculous’ mockery of Biden (NYPost).

Saudi Arabia Ooes Not Invite US Government Officials To Their 'Davos In The Desert'

A screen displays images of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) and Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa at the annual Future Investment Initiative conference in the Saudi capital Riyadh, on 26 October 2021 (AFP)  

Middle East Eye: Saudi Arabia snubs US officials ahead of 'Davos in the Desert'  

Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan and big name investors Ray Dalio, Steve Schwarzman slated to attend event despite political tensions  

US government officials have not been invited to a Saudi investment conference planned for later this month, with the organiser saying they did not want the gathering "to become a political platform". 

The decision not to invite American officials, a departure from previous years, comes as tensions rise between longtime partners Washington and Riyadh over the Saudi-led OPEC+ cartel's recent vote to cut oil production by up to two million barrels per day from November.  

Read more .... 

Update: US officials not invited to Saudi investment conference, says organiser (Middle East Monitor)  

WNU editor: Everyone else has been invited, but not the US. This is not an oversight.

Saudi Prince Related To Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Warns Western Leaders Not To Threaten Saudi Arabia

Because I know they will delete it
Here it is again: pic.twitter.com/L4awAOcRRk

— د. عبدالله العودة (@aalodah) October 15, 2022

FOX News: Saudi prince sends threat to the West after Biden warns of consequences for kingdom 

The Saudi prince warned the kingdom is the 'project of jihad and martyrdom'

A Saudi prince related to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's seemingly took aim at President Biden and the U.S., warning leaders not to threaten Saudi Arabia. 

"Anybody that challenges the existence of this country and this kingdom. All of us, we are products of jihad, and martyrdom," Saudi Prince Saud al-Shaalan, who is married to one of the grandaughter's of the late King Abdulaziz Al Saud, said in a video that was posted to Twitter Saturday. 

"That's my message to anybody that thinks that it can threaten us."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I doubt al-Shaalan's rhetoric represents the views of the government, and I will not be surprised if they take action against the prince for posting this video. But I am also willing to bet that most Saudis agree with him.

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister 'Astonished' By White House 'Accusations' That They Are Aligned With Russia

We are astonished by the accusations that the kingdom is standing with Russia in its war with Ukraine. It is telling that these false accusations did not come from the Ukrainian government. https://t.co/YIz441YinT

— Khalid bin Salman خالد بن سلمان (@kbsalsaud) October 16, 2022

FOX News: Saudi Arabia's defense minister 'astonished' by 'accusations' that Saudis are aligned with Russia 

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Biden does not intend to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G20 summit 

Saudi Arabia's defense minister said Sunday that he and other top officials are "astonished" by accusations that Saudi Arabia has aligned itself with Russia due to OPEC's decision to cut oil production by two million barrels a day. 

"Although the OPEC+ decision, which was taken unanimously, was due to purely economic reasons, some accused the Kingdom of standing with Russia," Khalid bin Salman, the defense minister, tweeted on Sunday. "Iran is also a member of OPEC, does this mean that the Kingdom is standing with Iran as well?" 

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Saudi Arabia's priority is Saudi Arabia .... Saudi king Salman says kingdom seeks stability and balance in oil markets (Reuters). Their priority is to not placate Washington.

When it comes to Russia, both countries have a common interest when it comes to oil, as well as the other members of OPEC. Why should anyone be surprised by that, or expect them to act any differently.

U.S. President Biden Wll Not Meet With Saudi Crown Prince Salman At The G20 Summit

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the president has no plans to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Bali at the G20 summit next month

White House National Security Adviser @JakeSullivan46 tells @DanaBashCNN why President Biden does not plan to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. @CNNSotu #CNNSOTU pic.twitter.com/6Kpq15DM06

— CNN (@CNN) October 16, 2022

Daily Mail: Biden WON'T meet with Saudi Crown Prince at the G20 summit says Jake Sullivan - after oil-rich nation humiliated president by confirming he BEGGED them to delay production cut until after midterms 

* President Joe Biden's top national security aide said he won't meet with the Saudi Crown Prince at the G20 summit in Bali this November 

* It will be the first time they are in the same place since OPEC+'s oil cut announcement dealt a blow to the US and gave a boost to Russia 

* US lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been calling for a response 

* Biden promised 'consequences' during an interview on CNN last week 

* Sullivan said on Sunday that Biden would act 'methodically' in his next steps 

President Joe Biden as of Sunday has no plans for another one-on-one meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, after OPEC+ announced dramatic cuts to production that are likely to force gas prices up in the United States and elsewhere. 

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was asked by CNN's State of the Union whether Biden has any plans to meet with MBS, as he's colloquially known, at the upcoming G20 summit of the world's wealthiest nations. 

 'He has no plans to meet with the Crown Prince at the G20 summit,' Sullivan said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan also said the Biden administration will wait for Congress to return before taking any major steps on US-Saudi relationship .... Biden will wait for Congress to return before taking any major steps on US-Saudi relationship, national security adviser says (CNN). 

I do not think Saudi Crown Prince Salman really cares .... Saudi crown prince says he does not care if Biden misunderstands him - The Atlantic (Reuters).  

Update: An olive branch form Saudi Arabia to Washington? .... Saudis Announce $400M In Ukraine Aid After Biden Said US 'Re-Evaluating' Ties With Kingdom (Zero Hedge). 

More News On Reports That U.S. President Biden Wll Not Meet With Saudi Crown Prince Salman At The G20 Summit  

Biden has "no plans" to meet Saudi crown prince during G20 -- Axios  

Biden has ‘no plans’ to meet Saudi crown prince at G20 summit, Sullivan says -- FOX News  

Sullivan says Biden won’t meet with Saudi crown prince at G-20 summit -- The Hill  

Biden has 'no plans' to meet Saudi crown prince at G20 summit: US official -- RFI  

Joe Biden has ‘no plans’ to meet Saudi Arabia’s MBS at G20 summit -- Al Jazeera

Is The US-Saudi Relationship 'Unrecoverable'?

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman fist bumps US President Joe Biden upon his arrival at Al Salman Palace, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 15. — Reuters/File 

 Zero Hedge: US-Saudi Relationship 'Likely Unrecoverable': Expert 

The head of the American Enterprise Institute says US-Saudi relations are "likely unrecoverable," after the White House 'personalized' last week's OPEC+ decision to cut production, according to an expert cited by Bloomberg. 

"They’ve once again personalized the problem, which will lead to another humiliating climbdown when they need something from Saudi Arabia," said Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, of the US position. 

"They’d have been smarter to have pointed out that Saudi Arabia frequently refuses US requests to use oil as a policy tool, when the Saudi economy is wholly reliant on it and has an overriding interest in price stability."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US-Saudi relationship is not going to be recovered under the Biden administration. It will be up to another US administration to repair the damage that has been done. 

But when that eventually happens the US-Saudi relationship is not going to be the same. 

The world is changing, and the US is no longer the sole dominant power in the world. 

The Saudis want new alliances and new international partners, and I predict this will only accelerate in the coming years.

US And Saudi Arabia Clash In Public Over Oil Production Cuts

U.S., Saudi Arabia spar over decision to cut oil production  

Washington Post: U.S., Saudi Arabia spar over decision to cut oil production 

Saudi Arabia “coerced” smaller oil-producing members of OPEC to agree to production cuts that the Saudis knew would “increase Russian revenues and blunt the effectiveness of sanctions” designed to combat Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, the Biden administration said Thursday. 

“We presented Saudi Arabia with analysis to show there was no market basis to cut production targets, and that they could easily wait for the next OPEC meeting to see how things developed,” National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said in a statement. 

The Saudis rejected the appeal for delay. The statement upped the ante in an increasingly acrimonious disagreement between the United States and its putative close partner in the Persian Gulf. 

The administration has been pressing Saudi Arabia to produce more oil to compensate for the global shortage and price increases caused by the Ukraine war.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Wow!!! We are seeing the decoupling of the U.S. and Saudi alliance live and in public. 

What is really damning is the US wanted oil prices to be low until after the US midterm election. An open admission that there is no long term plan to defend Americans from high energy prices. 

US And Saudi Arabia Clash In Public Over Oil Production Cuts 

 US and S. Arabia clash in public over oil cut, Russia -- RFI  

US, Saudi Arabia trade barbs over oil cut, Russia -- AFP  

Saudi Arabia, United States clash over reason for OPEC+ oil cut -- Reuters  

White House Hits Back Against Saudi Claims That Oil Cuts 'Purely Economic' -- Zero Hedge

Saudi Arabia Defends OPEC+ Oil Production Cut Decision After President Biden's Threats

 

OilPrice.com: Saudi Arabia Expresses Its “Total Rejection” Of U.S. Statements About OPEC+ 

* President Biden, as well as other White House officials and Senators, have made it clear in recent days that Saudi Arabia will face consequences for the OPEC+ cut. 

* Saudi Arabia says that it totally rejects these statements that suggest the OPEC+ cut was anything but an economic decision. 

* The Kingdom emphasized that the OPEC+ cut was unanimously decided up by members and was based on purely economic considerations. 

A day after President Biden threatened “there will be consequences” for OPEC+’s decision to reduce its production target by 2 million bpd, Saudi Arabia came out with a statement that expressed “its total rejection” of Biden’s and other statements from Washington with regard to the decision. 

“The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would first like to express its total rejection of these statements that are not based on facts, and which are based on portraying the OPEC+ decision out of its purely economic context. 

This decision was taken unanimously by all member states of the OPEC+ group,” the statement, from the Foreign Ministry, said.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The U.S. - Saudi alliance/relationship that has been a given for the past few decades is definitely breaking down. 

Saudi Arabia Defends OPEC+ Oil Production Cut Decision After President Biden's Threats  

Saudi Arabia dismisses US criticism of oil production cut -- The Hill 

Saudi Arabia says OPEC+ oil cut 'purely economic' -- Reuters  

Saudi Arabia Rejects US Criticism of OPEC+ Quota Cut Decision -- Bloomberg  

Top Saudi official says it's BIDEN'S fault US gas prices are high, because president hasn't increased domestic oil production -- Daily Mail  

Saudi Arabian minister of state blames high US gas prices on lack of American refinery production -- FOX News  

Saudis aren’t weaponizing oil like Americans claim, top official says -- CNN