Trump’s Syria sanctions gamble is drawing global attention as the former president moves to normalize ties with Damascus. Last week, he lifted long-standing US sanctions and met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—the first US leader to do so in over two decades.
This shift surprised many, especially after Trump previously dismissed Syria as a failed state unworthy of US engagement. Now, he argues that easing sanctions could help Syria stabilize, push it away from Iran, and even open the door to relations with Israel.
Experts say this strategy is bold. One analyst described Trump’s Syria sanctions gamble as “high-risk, high-reward.” If successful, it could end Syria’s role as a launchpad for Iranian proxy operations. But if it fails, it might empower a fragile government still tied to extremist groups.
Syria’s new leader, al-Sharaa, heads Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham—a group still listed as a terrorist organization by the US. Despite this, Trump believes the shift in power creates an opportunity for strategic realignment.
Iran has invested heavily in Syria for years, using it to extend its influence across the region. Tehran has responded to the recent changes with caution. Analysts say Iran is waiting for the US and Israel to make strategic errors it can exploit.
One Iran expert said Tehran’s approach is to build influence among vulnerable populations. Syria’s fractured state makes it a prime target. Warnings from regional experts suggest the country is on the brink of further collapse or renewed civil war.
Trump’s Syria sanctions gamble also relies on the ability of the new Syrian government to control extremist groups and stabilize the country. But observers warn that without long-term commitment, Syria could slide back into chaos—and Iran would be ready to step in.
Despite opposition to nation-building, Trump may need to push Damascus to protect minorities and unify fractured regions. Failing to do so could hand Iran a fresh opportunity to expand its reach.
Tehran, known for exploiting instability, is likely to wait patiently. Experts warn it will keep building regional proxies while the US focuses on high-level diplomacy.
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