US-Saudi oil dispute fraying longtime relations

A man stands under U.S. and Saudi Arabian flags prior to a visit by President Joe Biden, at a square in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, July 14, 2022. (Photo: AP)

AMMAN, JORDAN: A dispute over oil between Saudi Arabia and the United States is straining the long-standing relationship between Washington and its Gulf ally. Saudi officials, in coordination with OPEC Plus, recently decided to cut oil production by 2 million barrels per day. The Saudis say the cut was made to prevent a collapse in oil prices. Analysts say the move undercuts Western sanctions on Russia and will jeopardize energy security.