The OPEC+ oil alliance’s production cut is hurting relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. The White House yesterday signaled a willingness to reassess relations with its longtime ally. US senators from Biden’s Democratic Party had previously called for military cooperation with Saudi Arabia to be largely halted as the country was supporting Russia in the war of aggression against Ukraine by agreeing to cut funding.
US President Joe Biden stressed that the relationship with Saudi Arabia must be analyzed in light of the funding decision, National Security Council communications director John Kirby told CNN. “And he’s willing to work with Congress to consider what those relationships might look like in the future,” he said. Biden wants to start these negotiations immediately.
Democrats’ appeals
Kirby made it clear that the United States held Saudi Arabia largely responsible for the production cut: The country was clearly the leader of the cartel, he said in an interview with journalists. The decision will help Russia at a time when the US is convinced that no one should support Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin.
The day before, Democratic Senator Bob Menendez called for a major freeze on military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, including arms deliveries.
Oil reduction announced
The oil alliance, of which Saudi Arabia is a major member, announced last Wednesday that it would produce two million barrels (159 liters) less oil a day from November. It is the biggest cut in oil production in a long time. The US, on the other hand, has been demanding for months that OPEC+ turn on the oil tap – also in the interests of the global economy.
Biden traveled to Saudi Arabia in July and faced criticism in the United States. Among other things, he was accused of ignoring human rights violations in Saudi Arabia to lower oil and gasoline prices.