President Trump met with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signaling a shift in U.S. policy towards Syria. Trump announced the lifting of U.S. sanctions against Syria, a move praised by Syria’s foreign minister as crucial for rebuilding the war-torn country. Describing the sanctions as powerful and crippling, Trump emphasized the opportunity for Syria to achieve greatness. The decision came after appeals from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to remove the sanctions.

During the meeting, Trump encouraged Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords and urged him to combat terrorism. The White House shared details of the meeting on social media, although reporters were not permitted to attend. Sharaa, previously designated as a terrorist by the U.S., has been working to dispel concerns about his past and garner support for rebuilding Syria.

The lifting of sanctions opens doors for international investment in Syria, particularly from Gulf states eager to tap into the country’s mineral and oil resources. The move also signals a shift away from relying on Russian support, which had been a key lifeline for the Assad regime. The decision was met with applause at a Saudi investment forum, demonstrating regional support for Syria’s reconstruction efforts. Overall, Trump’s meeting with Sharaa marks a significant step towards rebuilding Syria and fostering stability in the region.