US President Donald Trump said Saturday he believed Saudi Arabia’s explanation that dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a “fist fight” and termed the arrest of 18 people by the Gulf kingdom “a great first step”.

 Saudi Arabia on Saturday announced that Khashoggi, 60, died following a “fist fight” at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, without disclosing any details on the whereabouts of his body.

“Preliminary investigations... Revealed that the discussions that took place between him and the persons who met him... At the Saudi consulate in Istanbul led to a brawl and a fist fight with the citizen, Jamal Khashoggi, which led to his death, may his soul rest in peace,” Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said in a statement.

The government said that 18 Saudis had been arrested for further investigation while Deputy Director of Saudi Intelligence Ahmed al-Assiri has been dismissed.

“I do. I do,” Trump said when asked about his confidence in the Saudi explanation.

“Again, it’s early. We haven’t finished our review, our investigation. But I think it’s a great first step,” he said.

Trump said talks with Saudi officials would continue, including raising some questions about their account of events that led to the death of Khashoggi, and that he would work with Congress to develop a response.

“We are saddened to hear confirmation of Mr Khashoggi’s death, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family, fiancee and friends,” White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said after Saudi Arabia issued the statement.

An investigation in the killing is on.

“The United States acknowledges the announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that its investigation into the fate of Jamal Khashoggi is progressing and that it has taken action against the suspects it has identified thus far,” Sanders said.

“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,” the White House Press Secretary said.