Trump Meets Syrian President Al-Sharaa At White House, Suspends Sanctions For Six Months

Last Updated:November 11, 2025, 12:36 IST

Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, suspending sanctions and welcoming Syria to the Global Coalition Against ISIS.

Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, suspending sanctions and welcoming Syria to the Global Coalition Against ISIS. (Image: Sky News)

United States President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader to Washington since the country’s independence in 1946. The meeting came as the US Treasury Department announced a six-month suspension of sanctions on Damascus, signalling a dramatic shift in relations between the two nations.

The White House meeting capped a stunning year for 43-year-old al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander who overthrew longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad last December.

According to the Syrian President, discussions focused on “bilateral relations between Syria and the United States, ways to strengthen and develop them, and regional and international issues of mutual interest."

Following the talks, Trump praised the new Syrian leader. “He comes from a very tough place, and he’s a tough guy. I like him," Trump told reporters. “We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful… We have peace now in the Middle East – the first time anyone can remember that ever happening."

Addressing al-Sharaa’s militant past, Trump said, “We’ve all had rough pasts," while al-Sharaa later told Fox News that his former ties to al-Qaeda were “a matter of the past" and were not discussed during the meeting.

Muted Reception at the White House

Despite the historic nature of the visit, al-Sharaa received what observers described as a “muted welcome." He entered the White House through a side entrance, with no joint press conference or photo opportunity alongside Trump.

As he departed, al-Sharaa briefly greeted a small crowd of cheering supporters waving Syrian flags.

Soon after the meeting, a senior US official confirmed that Syria would join the Global Coalition Against ISIS, becoming its 90th member. The official added that the US would permit Syria to reopen its embassy in Washington to coordinate on counterterrorism and security.

The development comes amid reports that Syrian authorities had recently foiled two ISIS assassination plots targeting al-Sharaa and arrested more than 70 suspects in a nationwide crackdown.

US Suspends Sanctions Under Caesar Act

The US Treasury Department said that Washington would suspend key sanctions under the Caesar Act for 180 days, allowing limited economic engagement with Syria.

“Removing US sanctions will support Syria’s efforts to rebuild its economy, provide prosperity for its citizens, and combat terrorism," the department said.

The decision, officials said, aligns with Trump’s stated goal to give Syria “a chance at greatness" and encourage the country’s economic recovery.

However, a full repeal of the sanctions would require congressional approval. Lawmakers are split on the issue, with Senator Jeanne Shaheen proposing an unconditional repeal, and Senator Lindsey Graham backing a conditional one to be reviewed every six months.

A Former Militant Turned Head of State

Al-Sharaa, once known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, was captured by US forces in Iraq before leading Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, which later broke away from the group in 2016.

Since seizing power, he has rebranded himself as a reformist leader advocating for national unity, reconciliation, and international cooperation. He addressed the United Nations General Assembly earlier this year, vowing to “restore Syria’s rightful place among nations."

Regional Dynamics and Israel Relations

During his US visit, al-Sharaa also met Congressman Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who described their discussion as “long and serious" about rebuilding Syria free from extremism.

Al-Sharaa has maintained that Syria poses no threat to Israel and has detained several Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) members. However, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes on Syrian targets despite his outreach.

Trump told reporters that the US was working with Israel on “getting along with Syria," hinting at potential diplomatic developments. “We want to see Syria become a very successful country," he said. “And I think this leader can do it."

US Priorities: Counterterrorism and Regional Stability

Analysts say the Trump administration’s renewed focus on Syria aligns with its broader Middle East strategy.

“The United States has three priorities for Syria," said Thomas Warrick, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. “Counterterrorism cooperation, reducing Iran’s influence, and improving relations between Syria and Israel — possibly even bringing Syria into the Abraham Accords in the long term."

While major challenges remain, Warrick said both Trump and al-Sharaa appear committed to “turning a former battleground into a potential partner."

News world Trump Meets Syrian President Al-Sharaa At White House, Suspends Sanctions For Six Months

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