Russia on Tuesday offered to mediate between the United States and Saudi Arabia after relations between the two countries deteriorated following the decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies (OPEC+) to cut production of barrels of crude oil.
In this regard, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov explained that they are in favor of resolving «all misunderstandings and contradictions within the framework of a constructive dialogue at the negotiating table», as Moscow has «always» been willing to play a «certain mediating role».
The White House warned several weeks ago of a clear «breakdown» in its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Washington announced that it was going to «review» its diplomatic relations with Riyadh after accusing the country of aligning itself with Moscow following the OPEC+ decision in the context of the energy fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Biden Administration then claimed, following the OPEC+ production adjustment by two million barrels per day, that it was going to limit trade ties with Riyadh due to its «positioning in international conflicts.»
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran have also been commented on Tuesday from Moscow, as Washington has previously expressed concern about an «imminent» attack on targets on Saudi territory.
«Of course. We keep in touch with both our Saudi and Iranian friends,» Bogadnov told reporters after being asked about reports pointing to a possible Tehran attack on Riyadh, TASS news agency reported.
In response to this warning of an attack by the intelligence services of both countries, Saudi Arabia, the United States and several neighboring states raised the alert level of their military forces, according to the newspaper.
Concerns about a possible attack on Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, come after the Biden Administration criticized Tehran both for cracking down on protests following the death of young Mahsa Amini and for allegedly sending drones to Russia as part of the war in Ukraine.
