Trump meets Syria’s interim president Ahmad al-Sharaa for the first time in over two decades of frozen relations. The meeting happened Wednesday in Riyadh, a day after President Trump pledged to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria.
This encounter marked the first high-level talk between American and Syrian leaders since 2000, when former President Clinton met his counterpart. Trump’s sit-down with al-Sharaa occurred on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit, part of Trump’s four-day regional tour.
Trump said the move to end sanctions represents a major step toward peace and rebuilding ties. “We are currently exploring normalizing relations with Syria’s new government,” he announced. Trump also revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier met the Syrian foreign minister in Turkey.
During the summit, Trump emphasized that lifting the sanctions would give Syria “a fresh start.” He described the previous restrictions as “brutal and crippling,” claiming the move would help Syria emerge from years of destruction and war.
Syrian citizens reacted swiftly to the announcement. Crowds gathered in the streets of Damascus, cheering and waving flags in celebration. Images from the capital showed widespread support for the policy shift.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a formal response, calling the announcement “a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people.” Officials described the decision as a chance to rebuild the country after years of conflict and isolation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to meet with his Syrian counterpart later this week to continue diplomatic discussions. These meetings reflect a broader U.S. strategy to re-engage with governments once labeled adversaries.
Trump meets Syria’s interim president in what many analysts see as a calculated strategic move. The administration aims to balance influence in the region while de-escalating longstanding tensions.
This shift also underscores Trump’s broader Middle East goals: stability, economic engagement, and reduced reliance on military pressure. The White House hopes to achieve progress through direct diplomacy rather than prolonged sanctions.
Trump meets Syria’s interim president in a historic and controversial moment that may redefine future U.S.-Syria relations.
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