Trump meets with Syria’s new leader in Riyadh, signaling a potential strategic shift despite Israel’s concerns.
At a Glance
- President Trump held an unscheduled meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa during his visit to Riyadh
- Al-Sharaa led an Islamist coalition that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December
- Trump indicated he is considering lifting US sanctions against Syria to give the nation a “fresh start”
- The diplomatic overture comes despite concerns from US ally Israel, which has conducted military strikes on Syria
- Reports of attacks against Alawite and Druze minorities have emerged since Assad’s fall
Unexpected Diplomatic Encounter
President Donald Trump met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh today, marking a significant potential shift in US-Syria relations. The meeting, described by White House officials as brief but substantial, was not originally on Trump’s official schedule for his Middle East visit. Al-Sharaa, who led an Islamist coalition that successfully overthrew longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December, has been seeking international recognition for his new government and relief from crippling US sanctions that have devastated Syria’s economy.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a sensitive time, as Israel, a key US ally, has expressed serious concerns about the new Syrian leadership. Israeli forces have conducted multiple military strikes against targets in Syria in recent months, targeting what they describe as terrorist infrastructure. The Trump administration’s willingness to engage with al-Sharaa signals a potential recalibration of US policy in the region that could create new diplomatic opportunities.
Sanctions Relief Under Consideration
A central topic of discussion between Trump and al-Sharaa was the issue of US sanctions. Trump has publicly indicated he is considering lifting these punitive economic measures to give Syria what he called a “fresh start.” This potential policy shift represents a significant departure from longstanding US position, which has maintained strict sanctions against Syria since the civil war began in 2011.
US officials have stipulated that Syria must address key issues before sanctions can be fully lifted, including protections for religious and ethnic minorities. Since Assad’s fall from power, human rights organizations have documented attacks against Alawite communities, who formed Assad’s power base, and Druze minorities. These concerning developments have complicated the diplomatic path forward, as the US weighs its strategic interests against humanitarian concerns in the region.
Regional Implications
The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia underscores the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia itself has been working to normalize relations with Syria under its new leadership, viewing the change in Damascus as an opportunity to counter Iranian influence in the region. The Saudi government facilitated this high-profile meeting, highlighting their own diplomatic priorities in reshaping regional alliances.
Trump’s engagement with Syria occurs against the backdrop of significant regional tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. A potential warming of US-Syria relations could impact these broader regional dynamics, particularly as it relates to Iran’s influence network in the Middle East. Al-Sharaa has reportedly indicated willingness to distance Syria from Iran, which had been Assad’s primary international backer, representing another potential strategic benefit for US interests.
Path Forward
Following the meeting, White House officials indicated that discussions would continue through diplomatic channels regarding specific conditions for sanctions relief. The US has maintained that any normalization process must include guarantees for minority rights, steps toward political reform, and cooperation on counter-terrorism efforts. While Trump has signaled openness to a new approach, significant challenges remain in transforming this initial contact into substantive policy changes.
As Syria continues its difficult transition following years of devastating civil war, this diplomatic opening may represent a significant turning point. The meeting in Riyadh demonstrates Trump’s willingness to pursue unconventional diplomatic approaches in pursuit of regional stability. Whether this initial contact develops into a meaningful reset in US-Syria relations remains to be seen, but it clearly signals Trump’s readiness to reconsider longstanding policy positions in the volatile Middle East.
