US frustration with Saudi Crown Prince grows over missile deal

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman in Kuwait on 30 September 2018 [BANDAR ALGALOUD/Anadolu Agency]

US officials are reported to have been increasingly disappointed and frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman plans to purchase the advanced S- 400 defence system from Russia and his alleged role in the murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi who was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Reuters news agency quoted Saudi sources as saying on Tuesday that bin Salman has asked to purchase the S-400 Russian air defence system and to shift focus on purchasing advanced weapons from Russia.

The sources explained that the US officials have been surprised that the Crown Prince has recently urged the Saudi defence ministry to explore alternative weapons supplies from Russia because it is considered an opponent of the United States.

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