In an interview with CNN, Kirby said, “I think Biden is very clear that this is a relationship that we need to rethink, and especially after the OPEC decision.” He said Biden is ready to work with Congress on the future of Saudi relations. There has been anger in the US about Saudi Arabia after OPEC Plus announced a cut in oil production.
US outrage over Saudi Arabia
Bob Menendez, the Democratic chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Monday called for a halt to cooperation with Saudi Arabia that includes arms sales. He also accused Saudi of helping Russia in the Ukraine war. John Kirby said Biden was disappointed after the OPEC Plus announcement. He said the issue is not only of concern to the Ukraine war, but it is also a matter of US national security interests.
Can affect the whole world
Saudi Arabia says it has cut production to keep international oil prices stable. This decision is not related to support or opposition to any country. It is clear that if Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest producer of oil, cuts it, then it will affect the whole world including India and the price of oil in the global market will increase. OPEC Plus has decided to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day.