SAUDI Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said in a TV interview that he takes “full responsibility” for the grisly murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi but denied allegations that he ordered it.

“This was a heinous crime,” the 34-year-old told 60 Minutes in an interview on Sunday. “But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government.”

Asked if he ordered the murder of Mr Khashoggi, who had criticised him in columns for The Washington Post, the prince replied: “Absolutely not.” The slaying was “a mistake,” he said.

The Crown Prince also claimed to be ready for peace talks with Houthi rebels in Yemen, though did not specify how these would be arranged and attacked Iran for supporting the Houthi movement without reference to Saudi backing for jihadist rebels in Syria. He called for “action” against Iran over a drone attack on Saudi oilfields that is claimed by the Houthis. Saudi Arabia, the US, Britain, France and Germany have blamed Iran for the strike, an accusation it rejects.