President Donald Trump met with Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharraa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, just a day after the US announced it would lift sanctions against Syria.
After their discussion, Trump mentioned he would consider “normalizing” relations with Damascus, while Syria might look into joining the Abraham Accords aimed at establishing ties with Israel.
The 30-minute meeting was significant, marking the first direct conversation between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years—since President Bill Clinton spoke with Hafez al-Assad. This was a pivotal moment for Sharaa, who is keen to see the end of Western-imposed sanctions that have persisted since the government fell in December 2024.
It seemed to be a meeting that met Sharaa’s expectations. Afterward, he spoke highly of the engagement to reporters on Air Force One, characterizing Trump as a “young and attractive man” with a strong past—suggesting he could be a real force for change.
“I felt strongly this gave them a chance. It won’t be easy, but it was my honor to do this,” Trump added.
This outreach to Damascus could potentially benefit the US in the long run, particularly if Syria aligns more closely with the Abraham Accords. Such a development might weaken China’s influence in the Middle East and further isolate Iran. With Iran investing considerable resources in supporting Assad’s regime, a friendlier Syria could change the political landscape around Israel, distancing it from Iran and its Lebanese ally, Hezbollah.
However, this tactic is risky. Sharaa has a past linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, operating under the name Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), originally started as an al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
HTS has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US since 2014 and has been involved in significant violence in the region. Sharaa was known for this affiliation until he purportedly pivoted towards Syrian nationalism, claiming to cut ties with terrorist groups and vowing to form a government that respects minority rights.
While he brands himself as an “interim” president, he leads a military junta—a type of governance that typically raises eyebrows in Washington. He assures that elections will occur within four years, promising participation from all Syrian factions and minorities.
Although there may be interest from the Israeli government in having Syria join the Abraham Accords, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concerns about lifting sanctions against Syria. Last month, he reportedly urged Trump to maintain sanctions during a visit to Washington, conveying worries about potential threats across the border.
Trump mentioned that he stressed to Sharaa the necessity for Syria to improve its relations with Israel to foster regional stability. “I think they need to get their act together,” he said, indicating hopes that Sharaa would eventually sign onto the Accords.
The White House has outlined key tasks for Sharaa, including addressing issues related to Palestinian militants and the management of ISIS detention facilities in northeastern Syria. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to work closely with Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shabani on these initiatives.
On Wednesday, Trump also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about the sanctions.
Al Jazeera noted that the Trump-Sharaa meeting represents a significant breakthrough, potentially offering the new Syrian government greater international legitimacy. Lifting US sanctions could enable Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE to extend financial assistance to Damascus.
Some sources suggested that this engagement marks a shift in global politics, symbolizing the end of a chapter focused on the “War on Terror.” Sharaa’s evolution from being viewed as an extremist to sharing a platform with the US president is seen as a remarkable change.
There’s a possibility that Sharaa’s journey could serve as one of the few positive outcomes stemming from the “Arab Spring” in 2011, which aimed to challenge aging authoritarian regimes. Yet, concerns remain regarding the ongoing threats of extremism that have proliferated in the aftermath.
Ultimately, Trump’s approach may reflect a shift away from traditional American interventions, suggesting a readiness to let Syria determine its own future without holding the past against it. A new world order could be on the horizon.
