President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw its troops from Saudi Arabia if it does not reduce its oil production and supply.
The United States has been urging Russia to end its confrontation with Saudi Arabia over oil prices for several weeks, and US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Saudi leaders.
In an April 2 phone call, Trump told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that unless the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) started cutting oil production, he would be powerless to stop lawmakers from passing legislation to withdraw U.S. troops from the kingdom, four sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The threat to upend a 75-year strategic alliance, which has not been previously reported, was central to the U.S. pressure campaign that led to a landmark global deal to slash oil supply as demand collapsed in the coronavirus pandemic – scoring a diplomatic victory for the White House.
Trump also spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his mediation to negotiate an end to the oil price war, which was hurting US oil companies.
Saudi Arabia is the largest oil producer in the world and a leader of OPEC. This year, it flooded the global market with oil amid a price war with Russia.
The United States sought a decrease in production, however; the coronavirus crisis and accompanying lockdowns and downturns in international travel greatly decreased global energy demand and threatened the US oil industry. On April 10, OPEC announced a slash in production.
Stay tuned to Baaghi TV for latest news and updates.
