Biden signals rethink over Saudi ties amid anger at cuts in oil output

The Biden administration has said it is ready to consider tough new measures against Saudi Arabia after its decision last week to side with Vladimir Putin and cut oil production.

Kirby said that conversations with Congress on Saudi policy would start when it returns from recess after the November elections.

The move by the Opec+ group of the oil cartel and its allies to cut oil production over the objections of the White House, was a double blow to Biden, undermining his attempt to cut Russian revenues by lowering the oil price, and threatening a spike in domestic petrol prices weeks before congressional elections. It was all the more stinging as it followed a reconciliatory trip to Jeddah by Biden in July, when he was photographed fist-bumping with the crown prince.

In some quarters, it was seen as more evidence of rash decision-making by Prince Mohammed.