In a stunning turn of diplomatic events, U.S. President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Riyadh, signaling the first high-level contact between Washington and Damascus in a quarter-century.
The meeting, which also included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has catalyzed a sweeping policy shift: the full removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria.
“[I am] ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give them a fresh start,” Trump told the GCC conference. “It gives them a chance for greatness. The sanctions were really crippling, very powerful.”
President Trump described Sharaa—once a jihadist leader with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head—as a “tough guy” with a “very strong past,” expressing confidence in his potential to lead Syria into a new era. “It gives them a chance for greatness,” Trump told an investment forum in Riyadh. “We’re taking them all off. Good luck Syria, show us something very special.”
Sanctions lifted amid calls for reintegration and stability
The sanctions, imposed in 2011 following Bashar al-Assad’s brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, had effectively isolated Syria from the global financial system. Their removal clears the way for humanitarian relief, foreign investment, and reconstruction—moves welcomed by Syria’s leadership and regional allies.
In a televised address, Sharaa hailed the lifting of sanctions as a “historic and courageous decision,” stating it would “alleviate the suffering of the people, contribute to their rebirth, and lay the foundations for stability in the region.”
The Syrian foreign ministry described the move as a “pivotal turning point,” asserting that the removal of those sanctions enables Syria to “pursue stability, self-sufficiency, and meaningful national reconstruction, led by and for the Syrian people.”
Syrians celebrate lifting of sanctions
The decision triggered widespread celebrations across Syria. In Damascus’s Umayyad Square, citizens danced, waved flags, and expressed hope for a long-awaited economic revival.
“My joy is great,” said Huda Qassar, a 33-year-old English teacher in Damascus. “Construction will return, the displaced will return, and prices will go down.”
“It is the right of the Syrian people, after 14 years of war and 50 years of the Assads’ oppression, to live through stability and safety,” Bassam al-Ahmed, 39, said.
“I hope to see Syria like the UAE, Qatar or Saudi Arabia,” said Nasser Eido, 49, a lawyer who fled to Norway during the war but has returned to Damascus since Assad fell. “I’m confident we can achieve this. The old regime stole the country’s resources, kept the people poor and left them hungry.”
Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, welcomed the development and urged investment in “stability and reconstruction” for the benefit of all Syrians.
Sharaa’s path to legitimacy
Sharaa, 42, was a former commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once al-Qaeda’s official affiliate in Syria. He cut ties with the group in 2016 and led a coalition that toppled Assad’s regime in December 2024. His image has since evolved—from insurgent leader to head of state seeking legitimacy on the world stage.
Trump acknowledged the complexity of Sharaa’s past but seemed convinced of his capacity for leadership. “Young, attractive guy. Tough guy,” Trump said. “I think he’s got a real shot at holding it together.”
The Syrian president has agreed, according to Trump, to eventually join the Abraham Accords, which aim to normalize Arab-Israeli relations—a dramatic move given Syria’s historical hostility toward Israel. The UAE, Bahrain and Morocco signed the U.S.-brokered accords in 2020.
Despite the optimism in Riyadh and Damascus, the decision has drawn sharp concern from Israel. Though officials have not yet publicly commented, Israeli intelligence remains wary of Sharaa’s Islamist background. U.S. officials also previously expressed reservations, though these appear to have been overridden by the broader regional realignment efforts.
White House sources revealed that Trump urged Sharaa to deport Palestinian militants, support anti-ISIS operations, and dismantle Syria’s remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. The two sides are reportedly preparing for broader normalization efforts, including a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.
In his remarks, al-Shibani stated that Syria is “ready to foster a relationship with the United States that is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared interests,” emphasizing the potential for a “historic peace deal.”
Economic and Diplomatic Realignment
Behind the scenes, Syrian officials reportedly offered Trump a package of incentives, including energy cooperation, security guarantees for Israel, and even a proposal to build a Trump Tower in Damascus. As the U.S. president departed for Qatar, he announced a $96 billion order from Qatar Airways and over $38 billion in new defense deals—underscoring the strategic nature of his Middle East tour.
Meanwhile, Syrian markets have responded with cautious optimism. In Damascus’s old city, where the scars of war are still visible, shopkeeper Hossam al-Khouli said the Trump-Sharaa handshake symbolized hope: “For 15 years, the world saw us only as refugees. Now they see us as we are.”
World reaction
Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria was announced after consultations with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed the announcement as a “turning point for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild.” He added: “We … stand ready to foster a relationship with the United States that is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.” Shaibani emphasized, “President Trump can achieve a historic peace agreement and a real victory for American interests in Syria.”
China — China expressed firm support for Syria’s sovereignty and development following the US decision. “We sympathize with the difficulties suffered by the Syrian people and support Syria in pursuing peaceful and inclusive domestic and foreign policies to restore stability and development,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. “China has always opposed illegal unilateral sanctions.”
UAE — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision as a “significant step toward supporting Syria’s prosperity.” It added: “The UAE reaffirms its strong support for the aspirations of the Syrian people and the importance of joint Arab efforts to ensure Syria’s stability, security, and development.” The ministry praised Saudi Arabia’s key role in facilitating the agreement.
Germany — Germany acknowledged the US announcement positively. “Germany will continue to work with the Syrian government on improving the economic environment for a sustainable recovery of the Syrian economy,” the Foreign Office stated on X. “We are committed to supporting Syrians as they rebuild their nation and strive toward a free and democratic future.”
Qatar — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry described the announcement as “an important step towards the stability and prosperity of the new Syria.” It expressed “full appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Türkiye,” and renewed its “full support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.”
GCC — Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the US decision and Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy. “This step will help alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people and pave the way for building a safe and prosperous future for the Syrian Arab Republic,” he said in a statement issued in Riyadh.
Pakistan — Pakistan welcomed the US move as a “pivotal step towards regional stability.” In a statement, the Foreign Office said: “Pakistan has consistently advocated for constructive engagement and dialogue. The easing of sanctions is expected to facilitate economic growth, improve access to essential services, and support the rebuilding efforts of the Syrian authorities.” The statement also reaffirmed support for a “Syrian-led and Syrian-owned resolution.”
Kuwait — Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the lifting of sanctions, stating: “This step would support stability, prosperity, and development in Syria.” The ministry also praised the efforts made by Saudi Arabia to bring about this decision.
Bahrain — Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa sent a message to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying: “I express my sincere congratulations to His Excellency and the brotherly Syrian people on the occasion of Trump’s announcement of his decision to lift sanctions on Syria.”
Jordan — Jordan welcomed the decision, describing it as “an important step on the path of rebuilding Syria and opening new horizons for economic cooperation between Syria and the world,” according to a government statement.
Lebanon — Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the announcement, stating that it “will benefit Lebanon and the entire region.” He also “expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its initiative efforts” in achieving the breakthrough. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun called Trump’s move a “bold step” toward Syria’s recovery.
Oman — The Sultanate of Oman hailed the US decision, saying it supported “all fellow and brother countries to enhance the stability in a way that supports political and economic recovery in Syria.”
Palestinian Authority — The Palestinian Presidency, in a statement carried by WAFA news agency, said: “We welcome the lifting of sanctions on Syria and believe this decision will constitute another step for Syria in regaining stability and restoring its pioneering role in the region.”
Yemen — The Yemeni Foreign Ministry described the move as “an important and positive initiative,” and praised the role played by Saudi Arabia in facilitating the decision.
Libya — Libya’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying: “Trump’s announcement constitutes a step reflecting an important transformation for Syria regionally and internationally.”
Iraq — Iraq welcomed the lifting of sanctions, stating: “This step will constitute the beginning of a new phase of international cooperation to end the Syrian crisis.”
UN — The United Nations also praised the policy change. “It was important for us to see relief on sanctions to help the Syrian people recover from more than a decade of conflict,” said U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
What would lifting US sanctions mean for Syria?
The lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria, as announced by President Trump, could mark a turning point for the war-torn nation’s recovery after over a decade of civil war and decades of authoritarian rule. While the full dismantling of the sanctions—some dating back to 1979—is complex and likely to unfold gradually, even symbolic moves have already spurred optimism: Syria’s currency surged by 60% in a single night, and celebrations broke out across major cities.
Experts warn the process is far from immediate. “People view sanctions as a switch that you turn on and off. Far from it,” said Syrian economist Karam Shaar. However, lifting the full spectrum of U.S. sanctions could eventually unlock critical access to international finance, allow trade and humanitarian aid to flow more freely, and attract the foreign investment needed to rebuild infrastructure and lift millions out of poverty. As Mercy Corps’ country director Mathieu Rouquette noted, the decision “marks a potentially transformative moment for millions of Syrians who have endured more than 13 years of economic hardship, conflict, and displacement.”