In a dramatic diplomatic move, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. The meeting marks the first public engagement between Washington and Syria’s new leadership after the sudden toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December.
Trump’s visit, which coincided with the start of his four-day tour of the Gulf region, also witnessed his announcement that the United States would officially lift all sanctions imposed on Syria. The policy shift signals a possible turning point in the conflict-ridden country’s relationship with the West and its path toward international rehabilitation.
Photos of the meeting showed Trump shaking hands with President Sharaa in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan participating virtually. The meeting was part of a broader regional diplomatic initiative that includes efforts to expand the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
President Sharaa, a former member of al-Qaeda who now heads Syria’s transitional government, assumed power after leading a coalition that removed Assad’s regime in a surprise offensive last year. The U.S. administration stated that it aims to support Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration into global diplomacy, contingent on key reforms and counterterrorism efforts.
According to Reuters, Trump encouraged Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords and take decisive action in expelling foreign terrorist groups from Syria. Despite internal concerns over Sharaa’s extremist past, Trump declared the lifting of sanctions as a “historic opportunity” to rebuild Syria, ease humanitarian crises, and facilitate foreign investment. Reuters also noted that Israeli officials remain skeptical of Sharaa’s leadership, citing his jihadist background and the fragile security situation in southern Syria.
As per CNBC’s coverage, the White House readout of the meeting stated that Trump praised Sharaa’s leadership potential and urged him to “do a great job for the Syrian people.” The president outlined a list of expectations for Syria’s new government, including collaboration in dismantling ISIS networks and overseeing militant detention centers in the northeast. Trump made the announcement during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, where he emphasized giving Syria “a chance at greatness.”
Saudi Arabia and Turkey reportedly played a significant role in persuading the U.S. to lift the sanctions and engage with Syria’s transitional leadership. Both nations have advocated for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab world, even before Assad’s fall.
Trump’s itinerary also includes visits to Qatar and the UAE, where he is expected to discuss further regional investments and possible negotiations related to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Israeli opposition to the U.S.-Syria rapprochement remains strong, especially amid heightened tensions in the region.
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