Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria, Meets New Leader Al-Sharaa Amid Landmark Gulf Visit

Boston Globe

Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa

In a dramatic shift in American foreign policy, US President Donald Trump has announced the complete lifting of US sanctions on Syria during a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, signalling a new chapter in relations with the war-ravaged nation. The move, aimed at supporting Syria’s reconstruction under its new leadership, coincides with Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who led the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad last year.

The meeting, taking place on the sidelines of a Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh, marks the first encounter between a Syrian and American leader since Hafez al-Assad met Bill Clinton in 2000. “There is a new government that will hopefully succeed,” Trump said ahead of the meeting. “I say, good luck, Syria. Show us something special.”

Al-Sharaa, Leader of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), assumed power in January after leading a surprise offensive that ousted Assad’s regime and ended five decades of dynastic rule. While his ascent has been welcomed by many Gulf nations — who see his leadership as a counterbalance to Iranian influence — Israel has expressed deep concern over his extremist background and cautioned against rushing into diplomatic recognition.

Despite these reservations, the lifting of American sanctions was met with celebration across Syria. Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the announcement as a “pivotal turning point,” noting that previous sanctions targeted the Assad regime rather than the country’s new interim government. The United Nations also welcomed the move as a step towards stability and reconciliation.

The lifting of US sanctions on Syria could lead to a recovery for the Syrian economy, particularly the Syrian lira, as reconstruction efforts progress under Ahmad al-Sharaa’s leadership and significant foreign investments roll in. While the shift in economic conditions remains risky, it offers a chance for the lira to stabilise and regain value, signaling potential recovery after years of turmoil.

The sanctions decision came alongside the signing of a record-breaking £470 billion (\$600 billion) investment deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia — the largest economic agreement in US history. The package includes a £112 billion (\$142 billion) defence contract and major investments in energy, infrastructure, and artificial intelligence. Leading American tech firms, including Nvidia and Cisco, are expected to play prominent roles in AI development, while Elon Musk announced plans to expand Starlink’s satellite internet to cover global aviation and maritime sectors.

Trump’s visit — his first major overseas engagement of his second term — marks a significant foreign policy milestone, reflecting a strategic realignment in the Middle East focused on economic cooperation and regional stabilisation. By lifting sanctions on Syria and deepening ties with Gulf partners, Washington is signalling a broader approach that blends diplomacy, trade, and technological collaboration.

Though Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa is expected to be brief, it carries considerable symbolic weight. It underscores a willingness by the US to re-engage with post-conflict Syria and lays the groundwork for future cooperation should the new government demonstrate its commitment to peace and reform.



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