Saudi Arabia has refuted a report that oil producers were considering raising output after an oil production cut last month.&nbsp;

According to a Wall Street Journal report from Monday, Saudi Arabia, which co-chairs OPEC+ with Russia and other countries, was mulling an "increase of up to 500,000 barrels" per day. The Kingdom however said that the cut would stay in place till the end of 2023.

Watch |&nbsp;Oil spat: Saudi Arabia blasts US. Is OPEC aligning with Russia?

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The official Saudi Press Agency on Monday quoted the nation's energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman who said that the nation "categorically denies" the report.

"It is well known, and no secret, that OPEC+ does not discuss any decisions ahead of its meetings," he said.&nbsp;

The next meeting as per AFP is scheduled for December 4th.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-vow-action-against-saudi-arabia-over-opec-oil-output-cut-525041">US Democrats ask Saudi Arabia to rollback OPEC+ oil output cut decision, warn of action</a>

"The current cut of 2 million barrels per day by OPEC+ continues until the end of 2023 and if there is a need to take further measures by reducing production to balance supply and demand, we always remain ready to intervene," he added.

In October&nbsp;OPEC+ announced a production cut of two million barrels per day, a move that had heightened tensions between Riyadh and Washington.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-claims-saudi-arabia-pushed-other-opec-nations-for-oil-cut-says-report-525525">Washington claims Saudi Arabia pushed other OPEC+ nations for oil cut, says report</a>

According to reports, the US condemned the reduction in oil production as being tantamount to "aligning with Russia" in the conflict in Ukraine; congressmen even pressured President Joe Biden to retaliate by taking action against the kingdom.

Saudi officials have vehemently defended the recent production cut in the face of criticism from Washington, claiming that it was solely motivated by market conditions and might change as the market changed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi Arabia has refuted a report that oil producers were considering raising output after an oil production cut last month. According to a Wall Street Journal report from Monday, Saudi Arabia, which co-chairs OPEC+ with Russia and other countries, was mulling an "increase of up to 500,000 barrels" per day.

Saudi Arabia has refuted a report that oil producers were considering raising output after an oil production cut last month. According to a Wall Street Journal report from Monday, Saudi Arabia, which co-chairs OPEC+ with Russia and other countries, was mulling an "increase of up to 500,000 barrels" per day. The Kingdom however said that the cut would stay in place till the end of 2023. Watch | Oil spat: Saudi Arabia blasts US. Is OPEC aligning with Russia? The official Saudi Press Agency on Monday quoted the nation's energy minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman who said that the nation "categorically denies" the report. "It is well known, and no secret, that OPEC+ does not discuss any decisions ahead of its meetings," he said. The next meeting as per AFP is scheduled for December 4th. Also read | US Democrats ask Saudi Arabia to rollback OPEC+ oil output cut decision, warn of action "The current cut of 2 million barrels per day by OPEC+ continues until the end of 2023 and if there is a need to take further measures by reducing production to balance supply and demand, we always remain ready to intervene," he added. In October OPEC+ announced a production cut of two million barrels per day, a move that had heightened tensions between Riyadh and Washington. Also read | Washington claims Saudi Arabia pushed other OPEC+ nations for oil cut, says report According to reports, the US condemned the reduction in oil production as being tantamount to "aligning with Russia" in the conflict in Ukraine; congressmen even pressured President Joe Biden to retaliate by taking action against the kingdom. Saudi officials have vehemently defended the recent production cut in the face of criticism from Washington, claiming that it was solely motivated by market conditions and might change as the market changed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is OPEC+ mulling an oil production increase? Saudi says previous cut will stay in place till end of 2023

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz stated on Sunday that his country was working hard to ensure stability and balance in the oil market, including through establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ alliance's recent contentious agreement.

"Our country is working hard within its energy strategy to support the stability and balance of global oil markets," said King Salman, as per the Saudi Press Agency.

Watch |&nbsp;US-Saudi takes a hit over oil production; Biden to act methodically in re-evaluating ties with MBS

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He stressed that "petroleum is an important element in supporting the growth of the global economy".

The OPEC+ agreement in question calls for a reduction in oil production by two million barrels per day starting next month.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-democrats-vow-action-against-saudi-arabia-over-opec-oil-output-cut-525041">US Democrats ask Saudi Arabia to rollback OPEC+ oil output cut decision, warn of action</a>

The United States has had a severe reaction to the decision with lawmakers going so far as to threaten Saudi with a potential one-year freeze on all arms sales.

The White House on Thursday claimed that Riyadh had pushed other OPEC+ nations into the oil cut, adding that "more than one" nation was in disagreement and was coerced into the vote following a push by Saudi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-biden-has-no-plans-to-meet-saudi-crown-prince-at-g20-summit-525900">US says Biden has 'no plans' to meet Saudi crown prince at G20 summit</a>

United Arab Emirates energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei refuted these claims and said on Twitter "I would like to clarify that the latest OPEC+ decision, which was unanimously approved, was a pure technical decision, with NO political intentions whatsoever."

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I would like to clarify that the latest OPEC+ decision , which was unanimously approved was a pure technical decision, with NO political intentions whatsoever.
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Oman and Bahrain too released independent declarations attesting to OPEC's unanimity on the reduction, reports Al Arabiya.

Iraq's state oil marketer SOMO also said "There is complete consensus among OPEC+ countries that the best approach in dealing with the oil market conditions during the current period of uncertainty and lack of clarity is a pre-emptive approach that supports market stability and provides the guidance needed for the future."

However, as per an AFP report US&nbsp;National security adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday said that&nbsp;President Joe Biden would proceed "methodically" in determining how to respond to Saudi Arabia's reduction in oil output and that the response might&nbsp;include modifications to US&nbsp;security support.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz stated on Sunday that his country was working hard to ensure stability and balance in the oil market, including through establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ alliance's recent contentious agreement.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz stated on Sunday that his country was working hard to ensure stability and balance in the oil market, including through establishing and maintaining the OPEC+ alliance's recent contentious agreement. "Our country is working hard within its energy strategy to support the stability and balance of global oil markets," said King Salman, as per the Saudi Press Agency. Watch | US-Saudi takes a hit over oil production; Biden to act methodically in re-evaluating ties with MBS He stressed that "petroleum is an important element in supporting the growth of the global economy". The OPEC+ agreement in question calls for a reduction in oil production by two million barrels per day starting next month. Also read | US Democrats ask Saudi Arabia to rollback OPEC+ oil output cut decision, warn of action The United States has had a severe reaction to the decision with lawmakers going so far as to threaten Saudi with a potential one-year freeze on all arms sales. The White House on Thursday claimed that Riyadh had pushed other OPEC+ nations into the oil cut, adding that "more than one" nation was in disagreement and was coerced into the vote following a push by Saudi. Also read | US says Biden has 'no plans' to meet Saudi crown prince at G20 summit United Arab Emirates energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei refuted these claims and said on Twitter "I would like to clarify that the latest OPEC+ decision, which was unanimously approved, was a pure technical decision, with NO political intentions whatsoever." I would like to clarify that the latest OPEC+ decision , which was unanimously approved was a pure technical decision, with NO political intentions whatsoever. — سهيل المزروعي (@HESuhail) October 16, 2022 × Oman and Bahrain too released independent declarations attesting to OPEC's unanimity on the reduction, reports Al Arabiya. Iraq's state oil marketer SOMO also said "There is complete consensus among OPEC+ countries that the best approach in dealing with the oil market conditions during the current period of uncertainty and lack of clarity is a pre-emptive approach that supports market stability and provides the guidance needed for the future." However, as per an AFP report US National security adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday said that President Joe Biden would proceed "methodically" in determining how to respond to Saudi Arabia's reduction in oil output and that the response might include modifications to US security support. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

With US-Saudi at loggerheads over OPEC+ oil cut, King Salman says 'working to support stability of markets'

US President Joe Biden spoke to Saudi Arabia's King Salman, 85, for the first time after taking office as president on January 20.

Watch:

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The US president stressed the importance of human rights and vowed to make the relationship between the two countries stronger and more transparent.

The two leaders also discussed the US commitment to help Saudi defend itself against attacks by Iran-aligned groups.

According to a statement from the White House, President Biden stressed "the depth of the relationship between the two countries" and discussed Iran's "destabilizing activities and its support for terrorist groups" in the region.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier called Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan and "discussed the importance of Saudi progress on human rights, including through legal and judicial reforms."

Biden's call to King Salman comes ahead of the release of the intelligence report on the murder of a Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was murdered in 2018 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Saudi Arabia had conducted its own investigation handing death sentences to five people, however, a Saudi court last year had overturned the verdict giving them jail terms of up to 20 years.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Saudi Arabia's King Salman, 85, for the first time after taking office as president on January 20. Watch: The US president stressed the importance of human rights and vowed to make the relationship between the two countries stronger and more transparent.

US President Joe Biden spoke to Saudi Arabia's King Salman, 85, for the first time after taking office as president on January 20. Watch: The US president stressed the importance of human rights and vowed to make the relationship between the two countries stronger and more transparent. The two leaders also discussed the US commitment to help Saudi defend itself against attacks by Iran-aligned groups. According to a statement from the White House, President Biden stressed "the depth of the relationship between the two countries" and discussed Iran's "destabilizing activities and its support for terrorist groups" in the region. US secretary of state Antony Blinken had earlier called Saudi foreign minister Faisal bin Farhan and "discussed the importance of Saudi progress on human rights, including through legal and judicial reforms." Biden's call to King Salman comes ahead of the release of the intelligence report on the murder of a Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi who was murdered in 2018 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia had conducted its own investigation handing death sentences to five people, however, a Saudi court last year had overturned the verdict giving them jail terms of up to 20 years.

President Biden calls Saudi King Salman; Iran tops agenda

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus.

The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19.

The New York-based newspaper said that &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is in his 70s and the brother of King Salman was in intensive care after falling ill due to the virus.

The report added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has gone into isolation along&nbsp;the Red Sea with his ministers in order to avoid contracting the virus while King Salman, 84, has isolated himself in Jeddah.

The Saudi royal family members brought the virus after travelling to Europe, the NYT reported. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Saudi Arabia on March 2, since then the royal family which runs the country has taken a number of steps to stop the spread of the virus which includes banning pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina.

On Thursday, Saudi Arabia reported 2,795 coronavirus cases with 41 deaths.

On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's health minister warned of a huge spike in coronavirus cases of up to 200,000 within weeks, state media said.

"Within the next few weeks, studies predict the number of infections will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000," the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah.

As the virus spread, the government on Monday announced lockdowns in several cities including Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar along with the intensification of curfew in various cities to combat the virus.

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus. The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19.

According to a report, several Saudi royal family members have been infected with the coronavirus. The New York Times citing Saudi hospital sources and the family reported that at least 150 members of the ruling Saudi royal family were infected with COVID-19. The New York-based newspaper said that Governor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who is in his 70s and the brother of King Salman was in intensive care after falling ill due to the virus. The report added that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has gone into isolation along the Red Sea with his ministers in order to avoid contracting the virus while King Salman, 84, has isolated himself in Jeddah. The Saudi royal family members brought the virus after travelling to Europe, the NYT reported. The first case of coronavirus was reported in Saudi Arabia on March 2, since then the royal family which runs the country has taken a number of steps to stop the spread of the virus which includes banning pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina. On Thursday, Saudi Arabia reported 2,795 coronavirus cases with 41 deaths. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia's health minister warned of a huge spike in coronavirus cases of up to 200,000 within weeks, state media said. "Within the next few weeks, studies predict the number of infections will range from a minimum of 10,000 to a maximum of 200,000," the official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing health minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah. As the virus spread, the government on Monday announced lockdowns in several cities including Riyadh, Tabuk, Dammam, Dhahran, Hofuf, Jeddah, Taif, Qatif and Khobar along with the intensification of curfew in various cities to combat the virus.

At least 150 Saudi royal family members infected with coronavirus: Report

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-promote-maritime-security-in-strait-of-hormuz-says-pompeo-after-meeting-saudi-king-salman-230032">the shipping lanes for other countries</a> (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation"

"China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, &amp; many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet.

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China gets 91% of its Oil from the Straight, Japan 62%, &amp; many other countries likewise. So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143128642878410752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"We don’t even need to be there in that the US has just become (by far) the largest producer of energy anywhere in the world!"

The US request for Iran is very simple - no nuclear weapons and no further sponsoring of terror!" he said.

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....a dangerous journey. We don’t even need to be there in that the U.S. has just become (by far) the largest producer of Energy anywhere in the world! The U.S. request for Iran is very simple - No Nuclear Weapons and No Further Sponsoring of Terror!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1143128646162493441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As tensions in the region racheted up, US secretary of state <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">Mike Pompeo met Saudi King</a> Salman bin Abdulaziz as they discueed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

"Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Meanwhile, Iran hinted on Monday that it could be willing to discuss new concessions with Washington if the United States were to lift sanctions and offer new incentives.

"We welcome any reduction of tension, we do not want an increase in the tension and the problems after that," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said.

"Is there any sanction left for America to impose that has not been imposed on us recently or in the last 40 years? And is there anything they have gained from this?," Mousavi asked.

As the US imposed a number of new sanctions, Iran said US cyber attacks on its military had failed after the US media reported last weekend that the United States launched cyber attacks disabling Iran's rocket launch systems.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying on Monday that Tehran did not "want a rise of tensions and its consequences".

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation" "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise.

Amid the US-Iran crisis, President Trump in a tweet said America protests "the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation" while asserting that it does so for "zero compensation" "China gets 91% of its Oil from the Strait, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been a dangerous journey," Trump said in a tweet. China gets 91% of its Oil from the Straight, Japan 62%, & many other countries likewise. So why are we protecting the shipping lanes for other countries (many years) for zero compensation. All of these countries should be protecting their own ships on what has always been.... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × "We don’t even need to be there in that the US has just become (by far) the largest producer of energy anywhere in the world!" The US request for Iran is very simple - no nuclear weapons and no further sponsoring of terror!" he said. ....a dangerous journey. We don’t even need to be there in that the U.S. has just become (by far) the largest producer of Energy anywhere in the world! The U.S. request for Iran is very simple - No Nuclear Weapons and No Further Sponsoring of Terror! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2019 × As tensions in the region racheted up, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz as they discueed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone. "Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Meanwhile, Iran hinted on Monday that it could be willing to discuss new concessions with Washington if the United States were to lift sanctions and offer new incentives. "We welcome any reduction of tension, we do not want an increase in the tension and the problems after that," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Seyyed Abbas Mousavi said. "Is there any sanction left for America to impose that has not been imposed on us recently or in the last 40 years? And is there anything they have gained from this?," Mousavi asked. As the US imposed a number of new sanctions, Iran said US cyber attacks on its military had failed after the US media reported last weekend that the United States launched cyber attacks disabling Iran's rocket launch systems. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Abbas Mousavi, was quoted by ISNA news agency as saying on Monday that Tehran did not "want a rise of tensions and its consequences".

US protests sea lanes for other countries for zero compensation, we don’t even need to be there: Trump

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz&nbsp;today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-it-welcomes-any-defusion-of-tensions-in-gulf-region-report-229912">heightened tensions in the region</a> after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

Pompeo said he also discussed the "need to promote maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz".

"Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz.

Pompeo will be travelling to UAE next as tensions between US and Iran continues unabated. Pompeo had said that he would be taking to American allies in the region on the need to stay "strategically aligned" and to ensure "we can build out a global coalition".

As tensions in the region continued, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran on Monday. However, Iran's foreign ministry said the new sanctions would have "no impact".

"We really do not know what (the new sanctions) are and what they want to target anymore, and also do not consider them to have any impact," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said.

While imposing the sanctions, Trump said: "I look forward to the day that Sanctions come off Iran, and they become a productive and prosperous nation again - the sooner the better!"&nbsp;

Amid the crisis, US media on Saturday had reported that Washington had launched cyber attacks against Iranian missile control systems and a spy network after Tehran downed an American surveillance drone.

However, Iran said no cyber attack had taken place.

"The media are asking about the veracity of the alleged cyber attack against Iran. No successful attack has been carried out by them, although they are making a lot of effort," telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said.

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone.

After meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz today, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said he discussed heightened tensions in the region after Iran brought down a US surveillance drone. Pompeo said he also discussed the "need to promote maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz". "Freedom of navigation is tantamount," he said in a tweet after meeting King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Pompeo will be travelling to UAE next as tensions between US and Iran continues unabated. Pompeo had said that he would be taking to American allies in the region on the need to stay "strategically aligned" and to ensure "we can build out a global coalition". As tensions in the region continued, the US imposed additional sanctions on Iran on Monday. However, Iran's foreign ministry said the new sanctions would have "no impact". "We really do not know what (the new sanctions) are and what they want to target anymore, and also do not consider them to have any impact," ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. While imposing the sanctions, Trump said: "I look forward to the day that Sanctions come off Iran, and they become a productive and prosperous nation again - the sooner the better!" Amid the crisis, US media on Saturday had reported that Washington had launched cyber attacks against Iranian missile control systems and a spy network after Tehran downed an American surveillance drone. However, Iran said no cyber attack had taken place. "The media are asking about the veracity of the alleged cyber attack against Iran. No successful attack has been carried out by them, although they are making a lot of effort," telecommunications minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi said.

Need to promote maritime security in Strait of Hormuz, says Pompeo after meeting Saudi King Salman