Even if Saudi Arabia is behind Jamal Khashoggi's murder, experts say sanctions against Riyadh could backfire

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to admit that Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist and prominent Saudi critic who disappeared on October 2,
The move would mark a shifting response from the Royal Court, which previously asserted — without proof — that Khashoggi had left the Saudi Consulate. Depending on the facts that emerge, any negative action Saudi Arabia may have taken could trigger retaliation from the US in the form of sanctions.
But experts say slapping sanctions on Riyadh could be an difficult option for the Trump administration, "given the size of the economic ties between Washington and Riyadh."
Sanctions on Riyadh could ultimately backfire, as the Kingdom holds major clout in the global economy, as well as vested interests in the US economy.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly preparing to admit that Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist and prominent Saudi critic, was killed as a result of a botched interrogation effort after he entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2 and disappeared.

The potential admission would mark a shifting response from the Royal Court, which previously asserted that Khashoggi had left the Saudi Consulate. Depending on the facts that emerge, any negative action Saudi Arabia may have taken could trigger retaliation from the US in the form of sanctions.

An unnamed source inside the Turkish attorney general's office who was cited by Aljazeera on Monday claimed that Turkish authorities "found evidence that supports" a belief that Khashoggi was killed there. It was not immediately clear what that purported evidence may have been.

Previous reports indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have ordered an operation to lure Khashoggi from his home in Virginia to Saudi Arabia for questioning.

Saudi officials have repeatedly denied any involvement in the 59-year-old's disappearance.

US President Donald Trump said he spoke to Mohammed bin Salman, who “flatly denied” any knowledge of Khashoggi’s disappearance. Trump floated alternative theories, including suggesting without evidence that "rogue killers" may have targeted Khashoggi.

But US officials and some international voices, are growing more concerned over Riyadh's lack of transparency in the matter, and have called on Trump to impose sanctions on anyone found to be responsible for harming Khashoggi

Trump has pledged "severe punishment" if the US concludes that Saudi agents killed Khashoggi, and told reporters there would be "very powerful" repercussions.

But experts say slapping sanctions on Riyadh may be an especially difficult option for the Trump administration.

Washington and Riyadh have grown very close

, threatening to "respond with greater action" should economic sanctions be imposed.

Even if Saudi Arabia is behind Jamal Khashoggi's murder, experts say sanctions against Riyadh could backfire

Washington and Riyadh have grown very close

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