The Saudi push to become a major natural gas player has two drivers. First, it is about diversifying the kingdom's domestic consumption and export mix. And, second, it is about taking advantage of harsh U.S. economic sanctions against Iran designed to force a change of the Islamic republic's policy, if not its regime. Saudi Arabia scored an initial success with the sale of its first Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) cargo in Singapore, the trading hub for Asia and the Pacific, the world's largest LNG market. Keen on partnering with producers across the globe The sale speaks to the ambitions of Saudi Arabia's national oil company, Aramco, that seeks to become a major gas player by partnering with producers across the globe, including in the Russian Arctic, and developing its own reserves. Aramco expects the partnerships to position it as a major marketer and trader, primarily in the spot and short-term markets.