The assassination of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi intelligence agents in 2018 sparked a global outcry and intense diplomatic scrutiny of Saudi Arabia. However, recent developments indicate that international criticism against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has dwindled, suggesting a shift in global perspectives influenced by geopolitical factors and diplomatic maneuvering.
Initially, the killing of Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the government, drew condemnation from numerous world leaders and international organizations. The incident led to sanctions against Saudi officials and a suspension of arms sales to the kingdom. However, the easing of these measures in recent months suggests that the diplomatic pressure has been mitigated by ongoing geopolitical interests, particularly with regard to the kingdom’s strategic importance in the Middle East and its energy exports.
Analysts suggest that while the incident remains a sensitive topic, the broader geopolitical landscape has shifted priorities away from the Khashoggi case, allowing Saudi Arabia to reengage with international partners. The Crown Prince’s continued influence and the kingdom’s economic reforms, such as Vision 2030, have also contributed to a more favorable international outlook despite the lingering controversies.