Saudi Crown Prince Threatened U.S. with Economic Consequences if it Retaliated Against Oil Cuts

  Threatened U.S. with Economic Consequences if it Retaliated Against Oil Cuts

In the fall of 2022, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) threatened to fundamentally alter the decades-old U.S.-Saudi relationship in case the U.S. retaliated against Saudi Arabia's oil cuts.

The threat was made in response to President Biden's vow to impose "consequences" on Riyadh following the country's decision to slash oil production. In public, the Saudi government defended its actions politely via diplomatic statements. But in private, MBS threatened to "not deal with the U.S. administration anymore" and to impose "significant economic costs" on the United States if it retaliated against the oil cuts.

The threat was conveyed to the U.S. in a classified document obtained by the Washington Post. The document suggests that MBS' strong message was successful in deterring the Biden administration from taking any action against Saudi Arabia.

The incident highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The two countries have been long-time allies, but their relationship has been strained in recent years due to a number of factors, including the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Saudi-led war in Yemen, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

The threat by MBS is a reminder that Saudi Arabia is not afraid to use its oil power to get what it wants. It is also a sign that the U.S.-Saudi relationship is in a state of flux, and that the future of the alliance is uncertain.

What are the implications of this threat?

The threat by MBS has a number of implications. First, it shows that Saudi Arabia is willing to use its oil power as a bargaining chip. This could have implications for the global oil market, as Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil producers.

Second, the threat highlights the growing tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. This could lead to a further deterioration of the relationship, which could have implications for a number of other issues, such as the war in Yemen and the fight against terrorism.

Third, the threat shows that MBS is a strong and assertive leader. This could have implications for the future of Saudi Arabia, as MBS is likely to continue to push for a more independent role for the country.

What is the future of the U.S.-Saudi relationship?

The future of the U.S.-Saudi relationship is uncertain. The threat by MBS has strained the relationship, and it is unclear whether the two countries can overcome their differences.

However, it is also possible that the two countries will be able to repair their relationship. The U.S. still needs Saudi Arabia's oil, and Saudi Arabia still needs the U.S.'s security guarantees. It is possible that the two countries will be able to find a way to work together despite their differences.

Only time will tell what the future holds for the U.S.-Saudi relationship. However, the threat by MBS is a reminder that the relationship is in a state of flux, and that the future of the alliance is uncertain.