When asked by a Fox News reporter whether the imposition of more penalties against Saudi Arabia is still the case, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, "Absolutely."
In November, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 17 Saudis involved in the Khashoggi murder.
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Pompeo noted that the United States continues to investigate the Khashoggi’s murder to ensure that those responsible for his death will be held responsible.
However, the US secretary further emphasized that the US relationship with Saudi Arabia remains critically important in the fight against terrorism in the region.
After two weeks of denials, the Saudi authorities admitted that Khashoggi was killed in the consulate and his body dismembered on consulate grounds.
Riyadh claims that the killing had nothing to do with the Saudi royal family and the kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing the murder as a rogue operation.
