Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he told Saudi Arabia's rulers that the U.S. takes "very seriously" the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and will await the outcome of investigations by the kingdom and Turkey before deciding how the U.S. will respond.
Pompeo addressed reporters Thursday after briefing President Donald Trump at the White House on his talks with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Axios reported Thursday that Pompeo gave Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a 72-hour deadline to finish his "investigation."
But Pompeo told reporters later Thursday that he told Trump "we ought to give [Saudi Arabia] a few more days" to conduct a full investigation before taking any action.
Pompeo said the Saudis assured him they will conduct a "complete, thorough" investigation.
Khashoggi is feared dead after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul more than two weeks ago.
Turkish authorities say he was killed. The Saudis have denied involvement.
In his comments to reporters, Pompeo said he also stressed the "longstanding strategic relationship" between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.
Trump confirmed Pompeo's statement in a pair of tweets issued shortly after the secretary of state spoke to reporters.
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