Saudi Arabia has warned that it will “respond with greater action” to any economic sanctions or political measures brought against it in the wake of the political storm following the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi on 2 October.

In a statement released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on 14 October, Riyadh said that it rejected "any threats and attempts to undermine it, whether by threatening to impose economic sanctions, using political pressures or repeating false accusations”.

The statement said Saudi Arabia would react to any economic or political sanctions with its own measures.

“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,” it said.

The statement was released the day after US President Donald Trump was reported to have said there would be “severe punishment” if investigations found any Saudi involvement in the disappearance of Khashoggi on 2 October.

The Saudi journalist’s whereabouts have been unknown since he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October.

Riyadh has rejected allegations it had anything to do with Khashoggi’s disappearance, describing them as “lies” and “baseless”.