In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, coinciding with the announcement of the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria. The meeting, endorsed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participating via phone.
The White House reported that Trump expressed gratitude to Erdogan and the Crown Prince for their support, while conveying to President Al-Sharaa the unique opportunity to instigate historic change in Syria.
The president urged Al-Sharaa to embrace this moment and implement key reforms. The list of recommendations included signing the Abraham Accords with Israel, expelling foreign militants from Syria, deporting Palestinian terrorists, collaborating with the U.S. to curb the resurgence of the Islamic State group, and taking charge of IS detention facilities in northeastern Syria.
Syria has held the designation of a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States since 1979, with sanctions first imposed in 2004 and expanded in 2011 following the Assad regime’s violent suppression of dissent. The ensuing civil war has devastated the country, leading to widespread destruction and sectarian strife.
The unexpected toppling of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime during a swift offensive by anti-Assad factions in December 2023 surprised the international community and opened the door for potential reconciliation in the war-torn nation. Current President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda operative who claims to have undergone a transformation, now heads the transitional government.
Saudi Arabia and Turkey were instrumental in persuading Trump to lift sanctions and engage with Al-Sharaa, according to White House sources. There has been a growing call from Arab and Muslim nations for Syria’s reintegration into the regional fold, even prior to Assad’s removal.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to provide them with a chance at greatness,” Trump announced at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh, marking the start of his four-day Middle Eastern visit.
“In Syria, which has experienced immense suffering and loss of life, a new government is emerging that could stabilize the country and foster peace. That is our goal,” he stated, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
