Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis will brief US senators Wednesday on developments related to Saudi Arabia, amid mounting bipartisan concern about the kingdom, a senior Republican lawmaker said Monday.

President Donald Trump's emphatic support of Riyadh in recent weeks has rankled some Republicans. And the continuing brutal Saudi-led war in neighbouring Yemen, which has caused an urgent humanitarian crisis, has also triggered concern.

Bob Corker, the outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Trump critic, told reporters that Pompeo and Mattis would brief the full Senate at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) in a closed-door session.

Corker said he also hoped Central Intelligence Agency director Gina Haspel would attend.

Trump last week called Saudi Arabia a "steadfast partner" and said it was unclear whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was aware of the plan to kill Jamal Khashoggi, who Riyadh has acknowledged died inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.&nbsp;

Trump has also cast doubt on the CIA's reported conclusion that the crown prince, also known as MBS, was behind the killing.

With tensions high over Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Corker said it was crucial to "hear from the administration as to where this is going."

The scheduled briefing comes as liberal Senator Bernie Sanders moves to re-introduce a resolution, as early as this week, to end US participation in the Yemen war, months after his initial effort fell short.

Corker signaled it could have broader backing this time.&nbsp;

"I have a pretty good gauge on how people feel about Saudi Arabia right now, and I'd say we're in a very, very different place than when we kept this from happening" in March, Corker said.

"I'm considering what the options are to make sure that we deal appropriately with Saudi Arabia on multiple issues right now."

Republican Senator Marco Rubio also expressed concern, saying he had supported US involvement in the war as a check on Iran's influence and because he believed American technology sold to Saudi Arabia would help avoid the killing of civilians.

"Unfortunately, that hasn't played out that way," Rubio said.

Some US lawmakers have called for a strong US response to Khashoggi's murder, including blocking arms sales and imposing sanctions beyond those that Washington slapped on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing.

"If the President does not reconsider what actions our government should take toward the Saudi Government &amp; MbS, Congress must act instead," Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, tweeted on Sunday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis will brief US senators Wednesday on developments related to Saudi Arabia, amid mounting bipartisan concern about the kingdom, a senior Republican lawmaker said Monday.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pentagon chief Jim Mattis will brief US senators Wednesday on developments related to Saudi Arabia, amid mounting bipartisan concern about the kingdom, a senior Republican lawmaker said Monday. President Donald Trump's emphatic support of Riyadh in recent weeks has rankled some Republicans. And the continuing brutal Saudi-led war in neighbouring Yemen, which has caused an urgent humanitarian crisis, has also triggered concern. Bob Corker, the outgoing chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a Trump critic, told reporters that Pompeo and Mattis would brief the full Senate at 11:00 am (1600 GMT) in a closed-door session. Corker said he also hoped Central Intelligence Agency director Gina Haspel would attend. Trump last week called Saudi Arabia a "steadfast partner" and said it was unclear whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was aware of the plan to kill Jamal Khashoggi, who Riyadh has acknowledged died inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. Trump has also cast doubt on the CIA's reported conclusion that the crown prince, also known as MBS, was behind the killing. With tensions high over Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Corker said it was crucial to "hear from the administration as to where this is going." The scheduled briefing comes as liberal Senator Bernie Sanders moves to re-introduce a resolution, as early as this week, to end US participation in the Yemen war, months after his initial effort fell short. Corker signaled it could have broader backing this time. "I have a pretty good gauge on how people feel about Saudi Arabia right now, and I'd say we're in a very, very different place than when we kept this from happening" in March, Corker said. "I'm considering what the options are to make sure that we deal appropriately with Saudi Arabia on multiple issues right now." Republican Senator Marco Rubio also expressed concern, saying he had supported US involvement in the war as a check on Iran's influence and because he believed American technology sold to Saudi Arabia would help avoid the killing of civilians. "Unfortunately, that hasn't played out that way," Rubio said. Some US lawmakers have called for a strong US response to Khashoggi's murder, including blocking arms sales and imposing sanctions beyond those that Washington slapped on 17 Saudis allegedly involved in the killing. "If the President does not reconsider what actions our government should take toward the Saudi Government & MbS, Congress must act instead," Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, tweeted on Sunday.

Pompeo, Mattis to brief US senators on Saudi Arabia as concerns mount

A leading Republican US&nbsp;senator said on Sunday he believed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-do-not-know-where-jamal-khashoggis-body-is-saudi-arabia-172683">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was responsible</a> for the death of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"Do I think he did it? Yes, I think he did it," Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union."

Corker said he was waiting for investigations to be completed and hoped that Turkey would share any audio tapes of the killing of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

However, he made it clear he believed the Crown Prince Mohammed directed the murder.

"Let's let this play out, but my guess is that at the end of the day the United States and the rest of the world will believe fully that he did it," Corker said.

On Saturday, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump joined European leaders in pushing Saudi Arabia for more answers after Riyadh changed its story and acknowledged that the journalist died more than two weeks go at its Istanbul consulate.

Trump had initially said he was inclined to believe the Saudi version.

However, a number of lawmakers from his own Republican Party, as well as Democrats, expressed skepticism of the shifting Saudi responses to the disappearance of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince.

"They've lost all credibility as it relates to explaining what's happened," Corker said.

Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican, told CNN: "The Saudis have got a lot of explaining to do. I think everything should be on the table."

'CROSSED THE LINE'

Both Republicans and Democrats have turned their attention to the role of the crown prince, with whom Trump and his son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner have cultivated a close relationship.

Senator Dick Durbin, a senior Democrat, also said on Sunday he believed the crown prince ordered the killing, and called on the Trump administration to expel the Saudi ambassador and ask allies to do the same.

"The crown prince has his fingerprints all over this and the fact that he is heading up the investigation makes it totally incredible," Durbin said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

Corker said that if the crown prince had ordered the murder, "he's now crossed the line, and there has to be a punishment and a price to pay for that."

What that price will be is a thorny issue for Congress, as well as some European allies who also sell arms to the world's largest oil exporter and have other business interests in the kingdom.

The United States could impose sanctions on Crown Prince Mohammed if he were found culpable in the killing, Corker said, but there should also be a collective response with U.S. allies that are looking to Washington for leadership.

Corker did not call for an end to arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but others have.

Republican Senator Rand Paul, among those calling for a halt to arms sales to the Saudis, said on Fox News Sunday: "I think we should not be supplying the Saudis with bombs."

Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, took a similar line.

"This ought to be a relationship-altering event for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, that we ought to suspend military sales, we ought to suspend certain security assistance," Schiff said on ABC's "This Week."

Members of Congress have the power to block U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Trump said last week he saw no reason to cut off weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in response to Khashoggi's disappearance.

Corker said a nuanced response was needed.

"Sanctions are a blunt instrument. They're good but they're not that great," Corker said. "And so we need to think of other ways to deal with this kind of behavior."

"What we don't want is a ruler that's going to be around for 40 or 50 years going around the world continuing to conduct operations like this."

A leading Republican US senator said on Sunday he believed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was responsible for the death of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

A leading Republican US senator said on Sunday he believed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was responsible for the death of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "Do I think he did it? Yes, I think he did it," Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in an interview with CNN's "State of the Union." Corker said he was waiting for investigations to be completed and hoped that Turkey would share any audio tapes of the killing of Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. However, he made it clear he believed the Crown Prince Mohammed directed the murder. "Let's let this play out, but my guess is that at the end of the day the United States and the rest of the world will believe fully that he did it," Corker said. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump joined European leaders in pushing Saudi Arabia for more answers after Riyadh changed its story and acknowledged that the journalist died more than two weeks go at its Istanbul consulate. Trump had initially said he was inclined to believe the Saudi version. However, a number of lawmakers from his own Republican Party, as well as Democrats, expressed skepticism of the shifting Saudi responses to the disappearance of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of the crown prince. "They've lost all credibility as it relates to explaining what's happened," Corker said. Senator Ben Sasse, a Republican, told CNN: "The Saudis have got a lot of explaining to do. I think everything should be on the table." 'CROSSED THE LINE' Both Republicans and Democrats have turned their attention to the role of the crown prince, with whom Trump and his son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner have cultivated a close relationship. Senator Dick Durbin, a senior Democrat, also said on Sunday he believed the crown prince ordered the killing, and called on the Trump administration to expel the Saudi ambassador and ask allies to do the same. "The crown prince has his fingerprints all over this and the fact that he is heading up the investigation makes it totally incredible," Durbin said on NBC's "Meet the Press." Corker said that if the crown prince had ordered the murder, "he's now crossed the line, and there has to be a punishment and a price to pay for that." What that price will be is a thorny issue for Congress, as well as some European allies who also sell arms to the world's largest oil exporter and have other business interests in the kingdom. The United States could impose sanctions on Crown Prince Mohammed if he were found culpable in the killing, Corker said, but there should also be a collective response with U.S. allies that are looking to Washington for leadership. Corker did not call for an end to arms sales to Saudi Arabia, but others have. Republican Senator Rand Paul, among those calling for a halt to arms sales to the Saudis, said on Fox News Sunday: "I think we should not be supplying the Saudis with bombs." Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, took a similar line. "This ought to be a relationship-altering event for the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, that we ought to suspend military sales, we ought to suspend certain security assistance," Schiff said on ABC's "This Week." Members of Congress have the power to block U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia. Trump said last week he saw no reason to cut off weapons sales to Saudi Arabia in response to Khashoggi's disappearance. Corker said a nuanced response was needed. "Sanctions are a blunt instrument. They're good but they're not that great," Corker said. "And so we need to think of other ways to deal with this kind of behavior." "What we don't want is a ruler that's going to be around for 40 or 50 years going around the world continuing to conduct operations like this."

Leading US senator blames Saudi Prince Salman for Khashoggi death

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met with US senators Wednesday aiming to cool down a fiery trade row over "absurd" American tariffs that has sent ties between the longtime allies plunging.

Freeland huddled behind closed doors with Senate Foreign Relations chairman Bob Corker and other senators on the committee eager to repair the fraying relationship after President Donald Trump cited national security interests for slapping punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum.

Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs "is frankly absurd," Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting.

"I think Americans understand it's simply not the case," she said, stressing the deep friendship between two nations that share the world's longest peaceful border.

Freeland has visited Washington often in recent weeks as Canada, the US and Mexico engage in negotiations over modernizing NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement.

But Trump's announced tariffs, and bald faced attacks against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the G7 summit, have stunned Canada.&nbsp;

The neighbor to the north is now on track to impose what Freeland described as "measured, dollar-for-dollar retaliation" tariffs on US goods beginning July 1.

Freeland would not say what steps Ottawa wants the US Congress to take, but she was clear about Canada's demand on the Trump administration.

"The US has to remove these unfair illegal tariffs from Canada, and from its allies," she said.

"We really are confident that at the end of the day, common sense will prevail."

She stopped short of saying whether any US lawmakers apologized for Trump's trade actions, adding that Canadians "really value our relationship with the United States."

The Republican Corker has criticized Trump for attacking a vital ally, and lashed out at leaders in his own party for refusing to schedule a vote on his measure to let Congress approve or reject any tariffs imposed by the US president.

A frustrated Corker said after the meeting it was clear "we've damaged relations" with Canada.

"I don't know of any senator that I know of on the Republican side that has not expressed concerns to the president both about using 232 but also just the random nature of how this has all been carried out."

Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said he hoped Freeland would return home and share with Canadians "that the view of the president is not the view of all the American people" or a majority of senators.&nbsp;

Freeland said she will speak on Thursday with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, with whom she met on the sidelines of last weekend's G7 summit.

Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs 'is frankly absurd,' Chrystia Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting

Canada's Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland met with US senators Wednesday aiming to cool down a fiery trade row over "absurd" American tariffs that has sent ties between the longtime allies plunging. Freeland huddled behind closed doors with Senate Foreign Relations chairman Bob Corker and other senators on the committee eager to repair the fraying relationship after President Donald Trump cited national security interests for slapping punitive tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Invoking national security -- under Section 232 of a US trade law -- as a reason for the tariffs "is frankly absurd," Freeland told reporters after the hour-long meeting. "I think Americans understand it's simply not the case," she said, stressing the deep friendship between two nations that share the world's longest peaceful border. Freeland has visited Washington often in recent weeks as Canada, the US and Mexico engage in negotiations over modernizing NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement. But Trump's announced tariffs, and bald faced attacks against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after the G7 summit, have stunned Canada. The neighbor to the north is now on track to impose what Freeland described as "measured, dollar-for-dollar retaliation" tariffs on US goods beginning July 1. Freeland would not say what steps Ottawa wants the US Congress to take, but she was clear about Canada's demand on the Trump administration. "The US has to remove these unfair illegal tariffs from Canada, and from its allies," she said. "We really are confident that at the end of the day, common sense will prevail." She stopped short of saying whether any US lawmakers apologized for Trump's trade actions, adding that Canadians "really value our relationship with the United States." The Republican Corker has criticized Trump for attacking a vital ally, and lashed out at leaders in his own party for refusing to schedule a vote on his measure to let Congress approve or reject any tariffs imposed by the US president. A frustrated Corker said after the meeting it was clear "we've damaged relations" with Canada. "I don't know of any senator that I know of on the Republican side that has not expressed concerns to the president both about using 232 but also just the random nature of how this has all been carried out." Democratic Senator Bob Menendez said he hoped Freeland would return home and share with Canadians "that the view of the president is not the view of all the American people" or a majority of senators. Freeland said she will speak on Thursday with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, with whom she met on the sidelines of last weekend's G7 summit.

Canadian finance minister visits US Senate amid trade brawl

An American and his wife held nearly two years in a Venezuelan jail arrived home in the United States Saturday after their release in what Venezuela's leftist government said was a gesture aimed at fostering dialogue with Washington to avert US "aggressions."

"We're home," tweeted United States Senator Bob Corker, whose meeting in Caracas Friday with President Nicolas Maduro paved the way for the release of Joshua Holt and Thamara Caleno.

Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who led a two-year effort to win the couple's freedom, posted a video of their airport reunion with Holt's parents in Washington.&nbsp

US President Donald Trump said Holt would be received with his family at the White House on Saturday evening.

Hatch praised the "pivotal efforts" of Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, to win Holt and Caleno's freedom.

"Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela," Trump tweeted. "The great people of Utah will be very happy!"

Maduro ordered the couple's release as a "gesture" aimed at promoting dialogue between Caracas and Washington, Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez told reporters in Caracas.

He said it was part of "efforts to maintain a respectful dialogue, diplomatic relations of respect, that permit gates to be opened to avoid the aggressions to which (Venezuela) has been subjected."

He apparently was referring to US sanctions, which Washington has tightened since Maduro was reelected earlier this month in elections that the US rejected as a "sham."

But Vice President Mike pence immediately squelched any suggestion that the sanctions -- which aim to deprive the cash-starved regime of revenue -- would be eased.

"Very glad that Josh Holt is now back home with his family – where he has always belonged. Sanctions continue until democracy returns to Venezuela," Pence said in a tweet.

Marriage, then arrest

Holt, a 26-year-old Mormon missionary from Utah, had traveled to Venezuela in June 2016 to marry Thamara, whom he had met on the internet.

Shortly after they married, however, the couple was arrested by the Venezuelan intelligence service Sebin, and accused of possessing weapons and plotting to destabilize the Maduro government.

Top officials in the Socialist regime labeled Holt a US spy. In December, the Justice Ministry decided to bring the couple to trial, and rejected a petition for his conditional release.

Holt and his wife were being held at a prison in Caracas known as the Helicoide where the Sebin keeps political prisoners.

Earlier this month, he surfaced during a protest by opposition activists jailed in the massive hilltop structure, and appealed for US help in a video posted on Twitter.

"I'm calling on the people of America. I need your help to get me out of this place," Holt said in the video.

He also appeared in a photo taken of a group of prisoners inside the detention center.

A family statement issued by Holt's lawyer in Venezuela, Carlos Trujillo, expressed thanks for "your collaboration during this time of anguish we have been through."

The statement expressed gratitude "to everyone who participated in this miracle."

Sanctions bite

Holt's release comes as Maduro moves to ease tensions that have spiked since the May 20 elections, which were boycotted by most opposition parties and denounced as illegitimate by the US, EU, Canada and at least a dozen Latin American countries.&nbsp

The Trump administration tightened financial sanctions on cash-strapped Venezuela after the vote.

The Venezuelan president then retaliated by giving the two top US diplomats in the country 48 hours to leave, accusing them of conspiring against his government.

On Friday, however, human rights monitors reported the release of 20 activists who had been jailed in the western state of Zulia for protesting against the government.

In taking the oath of office on Thursday, Maduro acknowledged that the sanctions are biting.

"I can't deceive anybody, they are going to create grave difficulties, painful difficulties," he said.

"A profound rectification is needed, things have to be done anew and better. We are not doing things well and we have to change this country."

The Venezuelan economy is in shambles. Hyperinflation is expected to hit 13,000 percent this year and dire shortages of food that have driven hundreds of thousands of citizens to pour into neighboring Colombia and Brazil.

Maduro has blamed the US for his country's woes, but most economists point to years of destructive policies and corruption as well as a period of plunging oil prices.

Venezuela -- once one of Latin America's most prosperous countries -- has the world's largest oil reserves but oil production has fallen sharply in recent years as corruption, disinvestment and the loss of skilled workers take their toll.

An American and his wife held nearly two years in a Venezuelan jail arrived home in the United States Saturday after their release

An American and his wife held nearly two years in a Venezuelan jail arrived home in the United States Saturday after their release in what Venezuela's leftist government said was a gesture aimed at fostering dialogue with Washington to avert US "aggressions." "We're home," tweeted United States Senator Bob Corker, whose meeting in Caracas Friday with President Nicolas Maduro paved the way for the release of Joshua Holt and Thamara Caleno. Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who led a two-year effort to win the couple's freedom, posted a video of their airport reunion with Holt's parents in Washington. US President Donald Trump said Holt would be received with his family at the White House on Saturday evening. Hatch praised the "pivotal efforts" of Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, to win Holt and Caleno's freedom. "Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela," Trump tweeted. "The great people of Utah will be very happy!" Maduro ordered the couple's release as a "gesture" aimed at promoting dialogue between Caracas and Washington, Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez told reporters in Caracas. He said it was part of "efforts to maintain a respectful dialogue, diplomatic relations of respect, that permit gates to be opened to avoid the aggressions to which (Venezuela) has been subjected." He apparently was referring to US sanctions, which Washington has tightened since Maduro was reelected earlier this month in elections that the US rejected as a "sham." But Vice President Mike pence immediately squelched any suggestion that the sanctions -- which aim to deprive the cash-starved regime of revenue -- would be eased. "Very glad that Josh Holt is now back home with his family – where he has always belonged. Sanctions continue until democracy returns to Venezuela," Pence said in a tweet. Marriage, then arrest Holt, a 26-year-old Mormon missionary from Utah, had traveled to Venezuela in June 2016 to marry Thamara, whom he had met on the internet. Shortly after they married, however, the couple was arrested by the Venezuelan intelligence service Sebin, and accused of possessing weapons and plotting to destabilize the Maduro government. Top officials in the Socialist regime labeled Holt a US spy. In December, the Justice Ministry decided to bring the couple to trial, and rejected a petition for his conditional release. Holt and his wife were being held at a prison in Caracas known as the Helicoide where the Sebin keeps political prisoners. Earlier this month, he surfaced during a protest by opposition activists jailed in the massive hilltop structure, and appealed for US help in a video posted on Twitter. "I'm calling on the people of America. I need your help to get me out of this place," Holt said in the video. He also appeared in a photo taken of a group of prisoners inside the detention center. A family statement issued by Holt's lawyer in Venezuela, Carlos Trujillo, expressed thanks for "your collaboration during this time of anguish we have been through." The statement expressed gratitude "to everyone who participated in this miracle." Sanctions bite Holt's release comes as Maduro moves to ease tensions that have spiked since the May 20 elections, which were boycotted by most opposition parties and denounced as illegitimate by the US, EU, Canada and at least a dozen Latin American countries. The Trump administration tightened financial sanctions on cash-strapped Venezuela after the vote. The Venezuelan president then retaliated by giving the two top US diplomats in the country 48 hours to leave, accusing them of conspiring against his government. On Friday, however, human rights monitors reported the release of 20 activists who had been jailed in the western state of Zulia for protesting against the government. In taking the oath of office on Thursday, Maduro acknowledged that the sanctions are biting. "I can't deceive anybody, they are going to create grave difficulties, painful difficulties," he said. "A profound rectification is needed, things have to be done anew and better. We are not doing things well and we have to change this country." The Venezuelan economy is in shambles. Hyperinflation is expected to hit 13,000 percent this year and dire shortages of food that have driven hundreds of thousands of citizens to pour into neighboring Colombia and Brazil. Maduro has blamed the US for his country's woes, but most economists point to years of destructive policies and corruption as well as a period of plunging oil prices. Venezuela -- once one of Latin America's most prosperous countries -- has the world's largest oil reserves but oil production has fallen sharply in recent years as corruption, disinvestment and the loss of skilled workers take their toll.

American, wife freed from Venezuela jail arrive in US: Senator

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Pompeo, Mattis to brief US senators on Saudi Arabia as concerns mount

Leading US senator blames Saudi Prince Salman for Khashoggi death

Canadian finance minister visits US Senate amid trade brawl

American, wife freed from Venezuela jail arrive in US: Senator