'We may never know all of the facts': Trump defiantly stands with Saudi Arabia before release of CIA report on Jamal Khashoggi's murder

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• President Donald Trump on Tuesday released a lengthy defense of Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
• Trump signaled he does not intend to personally call for significant changes to the US-Saudi relationship.
• The president also would not state whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de factor ruler of the kingdom, was responsible for Khashoggi's death.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday released a lengthy defense of Saudi Arabia over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In doing so, Trump signaled he does not intend to personally call for significant changes to the US-Saudi relationship despite bipartisan calls in Congress for America to reevaluate the partnership in the wake of the brutal killing.

"The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone," Trump said in the statement. "In any case, our relationship is with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They have been a great ally in our very important fight against Iran. The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region."

Trump added that maintaining the US-Saudi relationship is "paramount goal to fully eliminate the threat of terrorism throughout the world!"

The president also would not state whether Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de factor ruler of the kingdom, was responsible for Khashoggi's death. Prince Mohammed is widely suspected of orchestrating the killing.

"King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi," Trump said. "Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event - maybe he did and maybe he didn't!"

The president acknowledged there are calls in Congress for more significant actions to be taken against Saudi Arabia and said he would "consider whatever ideas are presented to me, but only if they are consistent with the absolute security and safety of America."

This all comes less than a week after a bombshell report from The Washington Post alleging the CIA had concluded with "high confidence" that Prince Mohammed directly ordered Khashoggi's killing.

The CIA was expected to deliver a report to Trump on Khashoggi's killing later on Tuesday.

This is a developing story.