Saudi Arabia need not fear Biden
The kingdom may be apprehensive about the incoming US president’s attitude towards Iran, but it could ultimately profit from the regime change
US president-elect Joe Biden faces unprecedented foreign policy challenges and opportunities amid a chaotic presidential transition, a fragile oil supply truce with fellow energy powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Russia, and a creeping wave of new pandemic lockdowns around the globe ahead of any game-changing vaccination programmes. His victory was hardly welcomed by many in the Mid-East Gulf, who are wary of Iran and all but openly supported the re-election bid of outgoing president Donald Trump. Yet there are silver linings that Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials are likely to see in Biden’s ascent to power, including an anticipated pivot to green energy as well as his political
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






