Mike Pompeo not in favour of punishing US’ longtime Middle East ally Saudi Arabia

Washington: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the senators on Wednesday that after going through all the intelligence reports, he had come to conclusion that there is no direct link between the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Mike Pompeo opposed the attempt to make legislation against the longtime Middle East ally Saudi Arabia in Congress and said the time is not suitable for that.

Pompeo told the senators that straining of ties with Saudi Arabia will be a big mistake for America and for security of alliance. He said we need to avoid such moves against any ally in order to combat with the serious threats from Iran. We should avoid such steps which will affect our joint war.

He said America’s national security interests are at stake as they consider a vote to halt U.S. involvement in the Saudi-led war in Yemen.