A report that Saudi and Emirati leaders declined U.S. requests to speak with President Joe Biden as he attempted to build international support to counter Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and contain oil prices is false, the White House said on Thursday.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Middle East and U.S. officials said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan both refused calls with Biden in recent weeks amid diplomatic challenges with Washington.

Recommended Stories

Biden heads to the Middle East with a world of trouble at his back

Biden fist-bumps Saudi crown prince, sidestepping handshake headache

‘What diplomacy looks like’: Psaki defends lack of sanctions over Khashoggi