Western sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine have caused global oil prices to spike as high as $130 per barrel recently, driving U.S. gasoline prices above $4 per gallon. U.S. officials agree that energy sanctions are necessary to compel Russian President Vladimir Putin to end military operations in Ukraine| The Soufan Center
One week after taking office, Biden-Harris administration officials announced that they were reviewing the $23 billion sale of 50 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter stealth aircraft and 18 armed MQ-9 Reaper drones to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the nearly $500 million sale of precision-guided munitions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia| The Soufan Center
The combination of record-low oil prices and mounting demographic pressures poses significant challenges to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) future plans in Saudi Arabia| The Soufan Center
On March 10, high-ranking Iranian and Saudi national security officials signed an agreement in Beijing to restore full diplomatic relations. They will return their respective ambassadors within two months, as well as resume abiding by long-dormant but preexisting agreements on security| The Soufan Center
