The story: Tensions are high between Saudi Arabia and the United States after OPEC+, a group of oil-producing countries that the Kingdom de facto leads, agreed to cut production. Riyadh has denied Washington’s accusations that the decision was politically motivated in support of Moscow amid western support for Kyiv in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The coverage: After OPEC+’s Oct. 5 decision to cut production from November, reports emerged that Washington and other western capitals viewed the outcome as direct support for Moscow, a member of the alliance among oil-producing countries. Saudi officials and institutions have dismissed any political motivations behind the decision, which will raise already high oil prices. 

• The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Oct. 12 denied that “the OPEC+ decision was a political position taken against the United States.” Riyadh confirmed that Washington had asked the Kingdom to use its leverage with OPEC+ to delay the output cut, but said...