The U.S. was warned by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia if it responded negatively to oil price decreases.
Amid rising energy costs and the US midterm elections, President Biden threatened Saudi Arabia with repercussions if it reduced its oil supply. Although the Saudi government defended its course of action, Crown Prince Mohammed promised to change the situation and levy financial penalties.
The memo states that the crown prince declared "he will not deal with the U.S. administration anymore," threatening "major economic consequences for Washington."
The dramatic outburst of the crown prince indicates strain in the Saudi Arabia-US oil-for-security partnership, which has developed as China's involvement in the Middle East develops and the US evaluates its own interests. The National Security Council is not aware of these risks, according to the American intelligence dossier that was released on Discord.
“The United States continues to collaborate with Saudi Arabia, an important partner in the region, to advance our mutual interests and a common vision for a more secure, stable, and prosperous region, interconnected with the world,” the official added.
King Salman named Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed in 2022, and since then, the two have repaired their ties. Human rights activists who expected a more pronounced rupture with the kingdom owing to Mohammed's involvement in the Yemeni conflict and the U.S. intelligence community's judgment of his involvement in the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi were disappointed by the better relationship.
Given Riyadh's economic and political influence and Beijing's courting of Middle Eastern allies, the U.S.-Saudi partnership is essential for advancement. During a three-day trip to Riyadh, Secretary of State John Kerry had a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The two talked on the conflict in Yemen, human rights, violence in Sudan, and efforts to mediate rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Disagreements still existed over Saudi Arabia's desire for nuclear power and the US's authority to criticize the country for its record on human rights. Saudi Arabia also stated a desire to strengthen its nuclear program collaboration with China.