United States President Donald Trump said in a statement on Tuesday that his country will preserve its "steadfast" partnership with Saudi Arabia despite the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Trump called the Khashoggi killing an "unacceptable and horrible crime" and added it is possible, that despite his "vigorous denial," Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman "had knowledge of this tragic event." He stressed that US intelligence agencies are investigating the case but pointed out that the real truth behind the journalist's murder "may never" be found out.
However, Trump insisted Washington will continue cooperating with Riyadh since it "has been a great ally" in its fight against Iran. According to the US president, maintaining a partnership with Saudi Arabia will help the US work towards its "paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world."
Earlier, media claimed a CIA investigation concluded Bin Salman ordered the murder of Khashoggi but the US State Department dismissed the reports.
