Dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was last seen in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct 2. Threats are flying

Trump threatened Saudi Arabia with “severe punishment” if the Saudi government was involved in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In response, Saudis Threaten Global Economic Repercussions if Punished for ‘Murdered’ Journalist.

“The Kingdom also affirms that if it receives any action, it will respond with greater action, and that the Kingdom’s economy has an influential and vital role in the global economy…” the source added without elaborating.

Saudi Arabia has been under pressure since Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of Riyadh and a U.S. resident, disappeared on October 2 after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Trump, Saudis Escalate Threats

The Wall Street Journal reports Trump, Saudis Escalate Threats

On Sunday, Riyadh vowed to retaliate against any punitive measures from Washington and delivered a pointed reminder that the world’s top oil exporter “plays an impactful and active role in the global economy.”

The comments came after Mr. Trump pledged to impose “severe punishment” on Riyadh if an investigation implicates the kingdom in the case of Jamal Khashoggi, who disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

Now relations are under scrutiny, and ties between Washington and Turkey, a regional competitor to the Saudis, could be improving. Mr. Trump declared on Saturday that the U.S. is now on track to have “a terrific relationship with Turkey” after it agreed to free an American pastor, Andrew Brunson. While hosting the North Carolina pastor at the White House on Saturday, Mr. Trump repeatedly thanked Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The case of Mr. Khashoggi is forcing the Trump administration to recalibrate on a number of issues, from military aid to sanctions to business ties. The private sector is also adjusting. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Chief Executive James Dimon will no longer attend Riyadh’s premier business conference set for later this month, bank spokesman Joe Evangelisti said Sunday.

While the U.S. has been cautious not to make any public statements about the fate of Mr. Khashoggi while an investigation is under way, Mr. Trump said on Saturday that it is “not looking too good.” In an interview with “60 Minutes,” portions of which were broadcast Saturday, Mr. Trump said he would be “very upset and angry” if the allegations against Saudi Arabia concerning Mr. Khashoggi prove true, and vowed there would be consequences.