Where are Saudi-American relations heading to?

Relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia reached a new low Wednesday, as Saudi-led OPEC voted to slash oil production amid a global run-up in energy prices.

The decision represented a win for Russia, which coordinates oil policy with OPEC and is seeking to bolster the value of its exports. It also comes a month before the midterm elections in the United States, where high energy prices are likely to be a central issue.

Biden administration officials expressed disappointment in the move and signaled they were open to working with Congress on legislation that would enable the government to bring an antitrust suit against the oil cartel.

Following the US position regarding the decision of OPEC plus, it accused Riyadh of being on Russia's front against Washington, however, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Foreign Affairs said that the US-Riyadh relationship is strategic and Riyadh intends to politicize it. It has nothing to do with oil.

Reacting to the move, democratic Senator Chris Murphy said it’s time for a wholesale re-evaluation of the relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that we see the decision as both disappointing and short-sighted, especially as we have a global economy that is dealing with the implications of recovering from COVID, as well as the aggression from Russia in Ukraine, the consequences that’s having.

As to the relationship going forward, we’re reviewing a number of response options.  We’re consulting closely with Congress. We will not do anything that would infringe on our interests – that’s first and foremost what will guide us, Blinken added.

The decision to slash the production further restricts supply in an already tight market and is likely to push up gasoline prices just before the midterm elections in November.

Biden told reporters at the White House about OPEC's decision: "We are looking at alternatives that we can have." There are many options but we haven't decided yet.

This week, Biden asked his administration and Congress to explore ways to increase US energy production and reduce OPEC's control over energy prices.

Asked if he regrets his decision to go to Saudi Arabia, Biden said: This trip was not just about oil.

High inflation remains a political problem for the US president, and lowering prices is considered an important victory. The OPEC+ decision may jeopardize this process and benefit Russia, which is under US sanctions.