Trump Announces Sanction Easing and Normalization of Relations with New Syrian Leadership
President Trump signals intent to restore ties with Syria following discussions with Gulf leaders.
In a significant diplomatic shift, President Donald Trump announced plans to normalize relations with Syria's new government and lift sanctions during a speech at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. Trump indicated that this move aims to provide Syria with “a chance at peace.”
The President is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who has been in office since January following the ousting of the Assad regime.
Al-Sharaa’s rise to power came after an aggressive offensive by insurgent groups, most notably Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which led to the collapse of the longstanding Assad administration.
Trump remarked on the new government, expressing hopes for its success and addressing Syria directly, stating, “Good luck, Syria.
Show us something special.” This announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience, and Trump added, “Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” referencing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic engagement follows prior discussions involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pointing to broader regional support for the leadership transition in Syria.
Gulf leaders have expressed backing for the new Syrian government and are likely to advocate for continued support from the Trump administration.
Despite the change in leadership, the United States under the Trump administration has yet to formally recognize Al-Sharaa’s government, with existing sanctions from the previous administration still in effect.
Sanctions imposed on Damascus during the tenure of former President Assad could remain, pending further evaluation by U.S. officials.
White House officials confirmed that Trump had agreed to the meeting with Al-Sharaa, highlighting the administration's cautious consideration of its future relations with Syria amidst complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The President is scheduled to meet with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, who has been in office since January following the ousting of the Assad regime.
Al-Sharaa’s rise to power came after an aggressive offensive by insurgent groups, most notably Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), which led to the collapse of the longstanding Assad administration.
Trump remarked on the new government, expressing hopes for its success and addressing Syria directly, stating, “Good luck, Syria.
Show us something special.” This announcement was met with a standing ovation from the audience, and Trump added, “Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” referencing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic engagement follows prior discussions involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, pointing to broader regional support for the leadership transition in Syria.
Gulf leaders have expressed backing for the new Syrian government and are likely to advocate for continued support from the Trump administration.
Despite the change in leadership, the United States under the Trump administration has yet to formally recognize Al-Sharaa’s government, with existing sanctions from the previous administration still in effect.
Sanctions imposed on Damascus during the tenure of former President Assad could remain, pending further evaluation by U.S. officials.
White House officials confirmed that Trump had agreed to the meeting with Al-Sharaa, highlighting the administration's cautious consideration of its future relations with Syria amidst complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
