Trump to Lift Sanctions on Syria During Middle East Tour

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump declared his intention to lift sanctions against Syria as he embarks on a visit to the Middle East.

Following the collapse of the Assad regime in December, new Syrian leaders, including President Ahmed Alshara, have been calling for the U.S. to ease sanctions. After Trump’s announcement, he met with Alshara and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, while Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan joined the conversation remotely.

“We should aim to be part of the discussions as Syria considers its future with this new leadership,” Trump emphasized.

During their meeting, Trump noted the need for regional cooperation to foster peace, urging foreign terrorists to leave Syria, and calling for support to combat any revival of ISIS. He also mentioned the importance of taking responsibility for ISIS detainees in northeastern Syria.

“Syria has long suffered from tragedy, war, and violence,” Trump stated. “That’s why my administration is taking initial steps to restore normal relations with Syria for the first time in over a decade.”

Trump described the previous sanctions as harsh, yet acknowledged their significance at the time. “But now is a moment for change. I want to see something remarkable from Syria,” he remarked.

Historically, the U.S. has labeled Syria a terrorist state, but with new leadership emerging, some lawmakers, including Indiana Republican Rep. Merlin Statzman, believe Syria could evolve into a critical ally.

“We should aspire to engage with Syria as they chart their path forward under new governance,” Statzman told Blaze News after meeting Alshara in April. “President Alshara is welcoming towards the West, has appointed women to his cabinet, and recognized Israel’s sovereignty.”

Statzman further suggested that Trump’s support could bolster Syria’s development while reducing Russian and Chinese influence in the region, fostering new alliances and trade opportunities.