Anthony Blinken and Mohammed bin Salman Hold 'Candid' Discussion on a Range of Issues Including Human Rights

American officials reported on the 'candid and transparent' conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who effectively leads the country, discussing various topics. According to Reuters, American officials stated that these discussions covered a wide range of issues including human rights. The U.S. Secretary of State arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday evening. The two countries have had disagreements on various issues including U.S. policy regarding Iran, regional security, oil prices, and human rights. While Saudi Arabia has called for a tougher policy against Iran's nuclear program, the Islamic Republic recently reopened its embassy in Riyadh after seven years. Additionally, Saudi Arabia unexpectedly announced a reduction of its daily oil production by about one million barrels a few days ago. Oil prices rose on Wednesday, while the U.S. has called for an increase in oil production. Blinken's visit to Saudi Arabia coincided with the reopening of the Iranian embassy in the country. Earlier, American officials had expressed hope that the reopening of the embassies of Iran and Saudi Arabia would reduce tensions in the region. Saudi Arabia severed its relations with Iran after an attack by supporters and agents of the Islamic Republic on its embassy in Tehran and its consulate in Mashhad. These attacks followed the execution of a Shia cleric in Saudi Arabia accused of terrorism, which led to assaults on Saudi diplomatic buildings in Iran, causing damage. Washington's difficulties in relations with Saudi Arabia come despite the fact that this country is considered a traditional ally of Washington. American officials stated that Blinken and the Saudi Crown Prince spoke for one hour and forty minutes on various issues - from Israel and the conflict in Yemen to unrest in Sudan and human rights. This report utilized information from Reuters.