In a landmark encounter at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met for the first time in a quarter-century, paving the way for the lifting of crippling U.S. sanctions on Damascus. The meeting signals a tectonic shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy just months after the fall of the Assad dynasty and comes amid intensifying regional realignments.
Historic Summit Encounter
First Meeting Between U.S. and Syrian Leaders in 25 Years
President Trump, attending the annual GCC summit alongside Gulf monarchs and heads of state, seized the opportunity to meet privately with al-Sharaa, whose ascent to interim leadership followed last year’s ouster of Bashar al-Assad. The 30-minute closed-door session—which reporters were barred from observing—marks the first tête-à-tête between U.S. and Syrian heads of state since Syrian President Hafez al-Assad’s meeting with President Bill Clinton in Geneva in 2000.
Trump’s Unscripted Praise
As the two leaders emerged from their discussions, Trump characterized al-Sharaa as “a young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.” He added, “He’s got a real shot at holding it together. He’s a real leader. He led a charge, and he’s pretty amazing.” Trump’s remarks underscored a sharp departure from Washington’s long-standing posture toward Syria, previously designated a state sponsor of terror since 1979.
Sanctions Relief and Strategic Objectives
Immediate Cessation of Sanctions
Shortly after the meeting, Trump addressed the broader GCC delegation, announcing: “I am ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give them a fresh start. It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful.” The move effectively reopens Syrian access to global financial markets and lays the groundwork for reconstruction efforts after more than a decade of civil war and economic isolation.
Security Cooperation Against Extremist Threats
According to a statement from Syria’s Foreign Ministry, the leaders discussed joint action against extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) faction that continue to menace regional stability. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump urged al-Sharaa to expel all foreign terrorist elements, diplomatically recognize Israel, and assist U.S. counter-IS operations. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a former backer of al-Sharaa’s rebel faction, reportedly joined via phone to reaffirm support for the transitional government.
Domestic Celebrations and Cautious Optimism
Syrians Take to the Streets
In Damascus and other major cities, jubilant crowds celebrated the news late Tuesday, setting off fireworks and chanting slogans of hope. Many Syrians—long locked out of international banking and trade—greeted the announcement as a turning point that could reinvigorate their battered economy and alleviate widespread hardship. Vendors in souks spoke of anticipated upticks in consumer goods availability and remittance inflows from the Syrian diaspora.
Skepticism Among Humanitarian Groups
Despite widespread popular elation, humanitarian organizations cautioned that the removal of sanctions alone will not immediately address the country’s deep-seated challenges. “Sanctions relief is a welcome opening, but years of conflict have shattered infrastructure, displaced millions, and eroded public services,” said Lena Mahmoud, Syria country director for a leading NGO. She urged parallel commitments to reconstruction funding and accountability for human rights abuses.
Al-Sharaa’s Controversial Rise
From Rebel Commander to Interim President
Ahmad al-Sharaa, 45, first garnered attention as a commander of Free Syrian Army brigades during the early years of the uprising against Assad. Prior to the Syrian conflict, he fought alongside U.S. forces in Iraq against al-Qaeda-linked militants, a chapter that included his own detention by U.S. troops. His varied alliances—and reports of past ties with extremist groups—have fueled international scrutiny.
Endorsed by Regional Powers
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman publicly lauded Trump’s decision during his GCC address, declaring that relief from punitive measures “will alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.” Qatar and the United Arab Emirates similarly voiced guarded support, positioning the nascent government as a potential partner in restoring stability and stemming militant resurgence.
Regional and Geopolitical Implications
Rift with Israel?
The normalization of U.S.-Syrian relations has drawn criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly cautioned Trump against lifting sanctions. Netanyahu’s office expressed concerns over Syria’s proximity to Iranian proxies and Hezbollah, warning that a resurgent Damascus could embolden anti-Israeli actors. Trump’s decision highlights growing divergences between Washington and Jerusalem over Middle Eastern priorities.
Shifting Alliances in the Levant
Turkey, a key sponsor of al-Sharaa’s rebel faction, signaled its strategic buy-in to the new arrangement, underscoring Ankara’s interest in curbing Kurdish autonomy and reasserting Ankara’s influence in northern Syria. Iran—previously Assad’s staunchest ally—has yet to comment officially, though Tehran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps continues to maintain a military footprint in parts of the country.
Looking Ahead: Reconstruction and Reconciliation
Economic Reconstruction Plans
International lenders and development banks are poised to evaluate Syria’s loan eligibility once sanctions are fully lifted. Reconstruction of vital infrastructure—power grids, water systems, and health facilities—will require multibillion-dollar investments. Gulf governments hinted at potential pledges during forthcoming donor conferences, contingent on progress in political reconciliation and human rights benchmarks.
Political Transition Roadmap
Under international peace efforts brokered in Geneva, the transitional government led by al-Sharaa is expected to oversee a constitutional review and eventual national elections. U.S. officials have emphasized that sanctions relief is reversible should Damascus fail to undertake “meaningful reforms” or if extremist elements regain footholds.
U.S. Domestic Reaction
Back in Washington, Capitol Hill reactions split along party lines. Republican allies of Trump praised the diplomatic breakthrough as an “investment in regional peace,” while critics in both parties questioned the administration’s readiness to hold al-Sharaa accountable for alleged past abuses. A joint congressional statement stressed that “economic engagement must be tied to clear benchmarks on human rights and counter-terrorism cooperation.”
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Syria
The Riyadh summit encounter between President Trump and Ahmad al-Sharaa stands as a watershed moment in Middle Eastern diplomacy, inaugurating Syria’s reintegration into the international arena after decades of isolation. While celebrations in Damascus reflect popular yearning for relief and renewal, the path ahead hinges on complex security, political, and humanitarian dimensions. Whether the transitional government can navigate these challenges will determine if Syria’s “fresh start” heralds lasting peace or merely a temporary respite in a landscape long scarred by conflict.
