In an unexpected turn of U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump announced this Tuesday that he will order the lifting of sanctions against Syria, describing it as an attempt to “give the Arab country a chance for peace and greatness,” now under new leadership following the collapse of the regime of Bashar al-Assad.
"I will order the lifting of sanctions against Syria to give them a chance to be great," said Trump, as he received a standing ovation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other dignitaries during an official event in Riyadh.
He also revealed that on Wednesday he will meet in Saudi Arabia with the new Syrian president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader who last year led the offensive that overthrew Assad and ended more than five decades of the family's rule.
The decision of the U.S. president to reach out to Damascus was, according to him, motivated by the efforts of bin Salman himself and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
"There is a new government that, hopefully, will succeed. Good luck, Syria. Show us something special," declared Trump.
The figure of Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known by his war alias Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has generated international controversy.
A former al-Qaeda combatant during the insurgency in Iraq, al-Sharaa was once one of the most wanted men by Washington, with a $10 million reward for information regarding his whereabouts.
Later, he led the extremist group al-Nusra Front, which evolved into the current Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization that publicly severed its ties with al-Qaeda.
After the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011, al-Sharaa consolidated his power in the north of the country and, in December 2024, led an offensive that culminated in the capture of Damascus and the fall of the Assad regime.
He was appointed president in January 2025, becoming the first Syrian head of state in more than two decades to meet with a U.S. president since Hafez al-Assad met with Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2002.
Trump's decision marks a departure from the U.S. policy of the last few decades regarding Syria and puts strain on relations with allies such as Israel, which has expressed its deep concern over al-Sharaa's extremist background.
Nonetheless, leaders from the Persian Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have strongly supported the new Syrian government, viewing it as an essential counterbalance to curb Iranian influence in the region, which has been weakened following Assad's downfall.
"The Syrian-American meetings in Riyadh open the door to discuss differences in a climate of dialogue," stated Syrian analyst Ibrahim Hamidi from London in remarks to the AP agency.
"This represents a significant strategic shift," he emphasized.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Lifting of U.S. Sanctions on Syria and its Implications
Why did Donald Trump decide to lift the U.S. sanctions against Syria?
Donald Trump announced his decision to lift sanctions against Syria as part of an effort to "give the opportunity for peace and greatness" to the Arab country following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime. Trump aims to support the new leadership of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who has been backed by leaders such as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Who is Ahmad al-Sharaa, the new president of Syria?
Ahmad al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, is the new president of Syria. He was a former insurgent leader who led the offensive that overthrew Bashar al-Assad, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule. Previously, he led the extremist group Al-Nusra Front, which later became Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and publicly severed his ties with al-Qaeda.
How does the collapse of Assad's regime affect countries like Cuba, Iran, and Russia?
The collapse of the Assad regime represents a severe blow to its allies, particularly Cuba, Iran, and Russia. Cuba loses a crucial ally for its foreign policy, while Russia and Iran see their strategic influence in the Middle East compromised. Both countries had been key military supporters of the Syrian regime for years.
What reactions have the U.S. allies had regarding the lifting of sanctions on Syria?
Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria has heightened tensions with allies such as Israel, which has expressed concern over Ahmad al-Sharaa's extremist background. However, leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have strongly supported the new Syrian government, viewing it as a counterbalance to curb Iranian influence in the region.
What is the geopolitical impact of the U.S. rapprochement with Syria following Assad's fall?
The U.S. approach to Syria following Assad's fall marks a significant strategic shift in Middle Eastern policy. This decision could reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region and represents one of the boldest diplomatic moves by former President Trump. The new Syrian government has not yet been officially recognized by the Joe Biden administration, but Trump's announcement suggests an imminent change in direction.
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