The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States has experienced tensions, particularly following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. Khashoggi, a Saudi national and a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (often referred to as MBS), was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. The CIA and other international bodies concluded that MBS likely ordered the assassination, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

Here are some key points regarding the impact on U.S.-Saudi relations:

1. International Outcry: The murder sparked international outrage and led to significant pressure on the Saudi government. Many countries, including the U.S., demanded a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
2. U.S. Government Response: The U.S. government imposed sanctions on individuals linked to the murder, including 17 Saudis. However, the response was seen as limited, with no direct sanctions against MBS himself.
3. Biden Administration’s Stance: When President Joe Biden took office, his administration took a firmer stance on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing human rights and re-evaluating the U.S.-Saudi relationship. In February 2021, the Biden administration released an intelligence report confirming MBS’s approval of the operation that led to Khashoggi’s death. However, the administration stopped short of imposing direct sanctions on MBS, citing strategic interests.
4. Saudi Reaction: The Saudi government has consistently denied MBS’s involvement in the killing and rejected the findings of the international investigations. Riyadh has emphasized its strategic partnership with the U.S. but has also shown signs of seeking to diversify its international relationships.
5. Strategic and Economic Ties: Despite the tensions, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia maintain significant strategic and economic ties. These include cooperation on counterterrorism, regional security, and energy markets. The relationship has been resilient due to mutual interests, but the Khashoggi incident has undeniably strained the partnership and increased scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.

In summary, while the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and the subsequent U.S. response have led to increased tensions and criticisms, the strategic and economic imperatives have kept the U.S.-Saudi relationship intact, albeit more cautious and scrutinized.