In response to President Donald Trump’s announcement about lifting long-standing U.S. sanctions in Syria, a spontaneous celebration erupted in Umayyad Square, Damascus, on Tuesday night. A large electronic display showcased both Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Syria has undergone significant political changes in the last six months, particularly after the former Nusra front, Hayat Taharil al-Sham (HTS), overcame former dictator Bashar Assad. HTS forces succeeded in this endeavor, ultimately leading to the end of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011 on December 8, 2024. Reports suggest over 500,000 casualties due to the conflict.
HTS leader Ahmed al-Shara was named “interim” president in January, taking over from Assad. The United States had placed a $10 million bounty for information leading to al-Shara’s capture, which was lifted by former President Joe Biden in one of his last acts in office. Al-Shara has since vowed to dismantle HTS and work on establishing a new Syrian government that would facilitate free and fair elections.
Alongside the sanctions against HTS, which is classified as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department, Syria has faced broader national sanctions, including a rare classification as a state sponsor of terrorism. These sanctions stem from decades of human rights abuses by the Assad regime and its connections to Iran’s expansive terrorist network. Supporters of the new government, including the Saudi Crown Prince, argue that these sanctions are unrelated to HTS, as HTS fought against Assad, Hezbollah, and other Iran-affiliated groups.
Trump seems to align with this view, declaring on Tuesday the complete lifting of all sanctions in Syria. He met with al-Shara in Saudi Arabia the following day, alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the eve of this meeting, Syrians in Damascus celebrated enthusiastically, taking to the streets to rejoice over the end of American sanctions.
Footage captured on the ground showed hundreds of people cheering in the streets, cars honking through the square, and many Syrians joyfully waving the new regime’s flag from rooftops.
Reports indicated that celebrators held up posters of Trump and bin Salman, chanting “We love you, Trump!”—reminiscent of slogans used during Assad’s regime.
“Drivers honked horns and waved signs in support of President Trump and the Saudi Crown Prince as Syrians flooded the streets in ecstatic celebration,” the report stated.
The grand electronic display included images of Trump and Mohammed bin Salman with the message, “Thank you, Saudi Arabia, United States.”
Celebrants also set off fireworks in honor of the occasion.
One participant, a taxi driver named Mohamed Dibu, remarked that the celebration mirrored the joy felt during Assad’s exit in December and expressed hope for a chance to rebuild the nation after years of conflict.
“President Trump shows great humanity, and we love him,” he commented.
Trump praised al-Shara after their meeting, attended by the Saudi Crown Prince. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was also called for a discussion from Ankara.
When asked about his impression of al-Shara, Trump described him as “a young and attractive man, a tough guy with a strong history—a real leader.” He expressed optimism about al-Shara’s potential to unite the country, noting, “It’s not easy, but this offers them a significant opportunity. I felt honored to assist.”
Trump hinted that al-Shara might be open to joining the Abraham Accords, a diplomatic initiative aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and the Islamic world, which started with UAE and Bahrain.
He shared, “I told him I hope he’ll join [the Abraham Accords] when they get organized. He agreed but acknowledged there’s much to be done.” Al-Shara reciprocated, labeling Trump’s decision to lift sanctions as a “brave and historic” move that could foster stability and alleviate the hardships faced by the Syrian people.
“This courageous decision has laid a foundation for local stability and will significantly reduce suffering among the people,” al-Shara asserted.
