Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a historic diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump met on Wednesday with Syria’s interim President Ahmed Al Sharaa, marking the first face-to-face encounter between leaders of the two countries in a quarter of a century. The meeting took place on the sidelines of Trump’s summit with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The encounter signals a significant shift in regional dynamics, particularly as Syria begins its transition from the decades-long authoritarian rule of the Assad family. Al Sharaa assumed office in January following a surprise insurgent offensive that ended 54 years of Assad family dominance. The former rebel commander, known during the Syrian civil war by the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, once fought U.S. forces in Iraq and was imprisoned by American troops—making Wednesday’s meeting all the more remarkable.
Celebrations erupted across Syria Tuesday night following Trump’s announcement of the upcoming meeting. Citizens flooded the streets of Damascus, lighting fireworks and waving flags in anticipation that the war-torn nation could rejoin the global economy after years of crippling sanctions and isolation.
Diplomatic Calculations and Regional Reactions
The decision to meet with Al Sharaa and potentially lift U.S. economic sanctions drew mixed responses from regional actors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to Washington last month, urged Trump not to ease pressure on Syria, citing concerns over Al Sharaa’s Islamist background and potential threats along Israel’s northern border.
Nonetheless, Trump moved forward with the meeting, citing support from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as a decisive factor. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also joined the meeting via video conference, underscoring Ankara’s backing of the new Syrian leadership. Turkey had long supported Al Sharaa and his faction during the Syrian civil war.
The White House later confirmed the closed-door meeting lasted just over 30 minutes. No press was allowed inside, but officials said the leaders discussed Syria’s future, regional stability, and potential U.S. support for reconstruction efforts.
Turning the Page on Sanctions and War
Speaking to reporters earlier, President Trump said the U.S. aimed to give Syria “a chance at peace” under its new leadership. He also announced Washington would begin the process of lifting longstanding economic sanctions on Syria, imposed since 1979 over the country’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
“Syria has endured unimaginable suffering. We have a chance now, perhaps the only one, to help the people of Syria rebuild their nation,” Trump said.
The decision drew praise from Gulf leaders. Crown Prince Mohammed publicly commended Trump’s move during the GCC summit, calling it “a humanitarian gesture that offers hope to the Syrian people.”
A Nation Reacts
In Damascus, jubilant Syrians gathered in Umayyad Square, honking car horns, waving flags, and celebrating what many view as the start of a new era. State media broadcast scenes of celebration, with residents expressing optimism that international recognition and economic aid could soon follow.
In a statement, Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the decision as “a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people as we seek to emerge from a long and painful chapter of war.” The statement emphasized that the sanctions had been imposed “in response to war crimes committed by the Assad regime,” carefully distinguishing the current government from its predecessor.
“The removal of these sanctions offers a vital opportunity for Syria to pursue stability, self-sufficiency, and meaningful national reconstruction, led by and for the Syrian people,” the ministry added.
Looking Ahead
Al Sharaa’s rise to power and Washington’s willingness to engage him represent a major geopolitical recalibration in the Middle East. While skepticism remains—particularly from Israel and some Western analysts—the potential re-entry of Syria into the global diplomatic and financial order marks a critical juncture for the region.
Whether the meeting will translate into tangible changes for Syrians remains to be seen. But after more than a decade of war, instability, and isolation, the path to peace may finally be opening.
