US President Donald Trump meets with Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH — In a major diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump met with Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 14 May. The meeting, held during the Gulf Cooperation Council (GGC) summit, marked the first official encounter between the leaders of the two nations in over two decades. The discussions signaled a dramatic shift in US foreign policy towards Syria and the Middle East.  

Trump’s engagement with STG President al-Sharaa comes on the heels of his announcement to lift long-standing U.S. economic sanctions on Syria. The decision is aimed at supporting the country’s reconstruction efforts and facilitating its reintegration into the global community. This shift in policy is viewed as a strategic recalibration, marking an end to the punitive sanctions imposed during the previous regime’s tenure and a new focus on economic and diplomatic cooperation.  

Turning Point for Syria’s New Leadership

Ahmad al-Sharaa, previously known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani during his time in and leading extremist Islamist groups, rose to prominence following the successful campaign to overthrow the regime of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. As Syria’s new transitional president, al-Sharaa has committed to rebuilding the war-torn nation and establishing an inclusive government. Despite his earlier ties to extremist factions, he says he has distanced himself from such affiliations, focusing instead on stabilizing the country and advancing a broader political reconciliation process.  

Al-Sharaa’s ascent marks a new chapter for Syria, which has been in a state of prolonged conflict for over a decade. The lifting of sanctions is seen as pivotal for Syria’s recovery, enabling the country to access global markets and attract much-needed foreign investment. However, this shift in U.S. policy has raised concerns among some international allies, particularly Israel, which remains wary of al-Sharaa’s past.  

Pragmatic Approach to US-Syria Relations

The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa underscores the US’s evolving approach to the Middle East, one that prioritizes pragmatism and economic partnerships over ideological divides. By engaging directly with Syria’s new leadership, the Trump administration signals its willingness to support stable governance in the region, even if that means working with former adversaries.  

“It’s time to move forward and build a more stable and prosperous Syria,” President Trump remarked during the summit, reinforcing his commitment to regional stability through diplomatic and economic engagement.  

In a public statement posted to X, formerly Twitter, about the meeting, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that President Trump, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to discuss regional peace and prosperity, with Turkish President Erdogan joining by phone. 

The leaders praised Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, emphasizing its role in fostering cooperation. 

According to Leavitt’s statement, Trump urged al-Sharaa to do the following:  

1. Sign onto the Abraham Accords with Israel 
2. Tell all foreign terrorists to leave Syria 
3. Deport Palestinian terrorists 
4. Help the United States to prevent the resurgence of [the Islamic State (ISIS)] 
5. Assume responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria 

Turkey’s Role in the Middle East 

Taking part via phone, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also participated, offering Turkey’s endorsement of the US decision. Erdogan praised Trump’s move to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it “a historical step.” He stressed that Turkey will continue to support the STG in its fight against terrorism, particularly against ISIS. Turkey’s longstanding involvement in Syria’s conflict has placed it at the forefront of the diplomatic conversation, especially as it maintains a critical position on the fight against extremist groups in the region.  

In his remarks, Erdogan emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “It’s time to end the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza.” Turkey has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has been actively engaged in efforts to mediate peace in the region.  

New US Approach to Middle East  

President Trump’s decision to engage with Syria’s new leadership and lift sanctions could pave the way for further diplomatic breakthroughs in the Middle East, though the success of these efforts depends on Syria’s ability to maintain stability and build an inclusive, democratic government.  

The lifting of sanctions could serve as a model for other countries that have been isolated under similar sanctions, with the hope that it will catalyze broader international efforts to stabilize the region. However, as the situation in Syria remains complex, with numerous internal and external challenges, the path ahead will likely be fraught with both opportunities and risks.