U.S 'saddened' by confirmation of Khashoggi's death: White House

In the first US response to Saudi Arabia's admission, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said merely that Washington "acknowledges the announcement."

The White House said Saturday it was "saddened" after confirmation that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside a Saudi consulate, but made no mention of US action against its major ally.

In the first US response to Saudi Arabia's admission, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said merely that Washington "acknowledges the announcement."

"We will continue to closely follow the international investigations into this tragic incident and advocate for justice that is timely, transparent and in accordance with all due process," she said.

"We are saddened to hear confirmation of Mr Khashoggi's death, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family, fiancee and friends."