Nikki Haley, who is leaving as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations at the end of the year, told NBC's "Today" that she believed Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was responsible for the the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
"It was the Saudi government, and MBS is the head of the Saudi government," Haley said, referring to the crown prince by his initials.
"So they are all responsible, and they don't get a pass, not an individual, not the government — they don't get a pass."
Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist and critic of the nation's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2. Riyadh has denied that Prince Mohammed ordered the killing.
"I think we need to have a serious hard talk with the Saudis to let them know we won't condone this. We won't give you a pass. And don't do this again."
Haley emphasized that Saudi Arabia is an important partner for the U.S. in dealing with Iran, and fighting Houthi insurgents in Yemen, Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and "Iranian proxies" throughout the world.
"And then I think that the administrations have to talk about where we go from here. What I can tell you that's so important is that the Saudis have been our partner in defeating and dealing with Iran. And that has been hugely important."
It was the first interview Haley did since she announced she would be leaving her post by year's end.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert is his choice to replace Haley, who said she would help her get ready for her new post.
"You know, time will tell how this works out, but I can tell you I'm going to support and help in her transition and her ability to move forward and be successful," Haley added.
