In brief
In a groundbreaking meeting in Riyadh, Trump and Syria's new leader discuss lifting sanctions and normalizing relations, signaling a significant U.S. policy change.
President Trump made waves on May 14, 2025, with a notable meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara, marking the first tête-à-tête between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years. This meeting came right after Trump announced plans to lift long-standing U.S. sanctions on Syria in a major shift aimed at ending Syria's diplomatic isolation.During their half-hour discussion, the two leaders contemplated historic opportunities for Syria's future, focusing on normalizing ties with Israel and expelling foreign fighters from the nation. The meeting saw the participation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joining via phone, emphasizing collective regional interests in stabilizing the Middle East.Al-Shara, who previously led a rebel group against Bashar al-Assad and had ties to Al-Qaeda, expressed aspirations to steer Syria toward prosperity. Crown Prince Salman lauded Trump's decision to lift sanctions, deeming it a courageous move, while stressing the need for economic renaissance in Syria as it seeks to recover from years of conflict.This meeting sets the stage for potential new diplomatic winds in the region, as Trump continues a four-day Middle East tour that highlights not just political discussions but also business agreements, including advancements in defense and AI technologies aimed at bolstering regional stability.Trump's approach mirrors his prior efforts of cultivating relationships with Gulf leaders, making it crucial for addressing longstanding regional challenges, including the situations in Gaza and relations with Iran.
