Trump Announces Lifting of Sanctions on Syria, Plans to Meet With New Syrian Leader

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May 14, 2025 — Donald Trump, the Republican candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, has announced that the United States will lift all sanctions previously imposed on Syria. The announcement was made on May 13, just days ahead of his scheduled meeting with Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A Major Shift in U.S. Policy Toward Syria

This move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. Trump described the lifting of sanctions as an opportunity to give Syria "a chance at greatness" and expressed a desire to support the country's recovery after years of civil war and destruction.
(The Guardian)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the decision, calling it "a new start" for national reconstruction efforts. He emphasized that lifting sanctions would pave the way for foreign investment and the rebuilding of critical infrastructure.
(Reuters)

Meeting With Ahmad al-Sharaa, a Former Militant Leader

Trump’s upcoming meeting with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s new interim president, has drawn global attention. Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, was once the leader of the al-Nusra Front, an Al-Qaeda affiliate. He formally cut ties with the group in 2016 and has since attempted to rebrand himself as a moderate national leader promoting religious pluralism and reconciliation.
(New York Post)

Al-Sharaa came to power following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the result of a coalition of opposition forces and Arab-mediated negotiations. In January 2025, an international conference in Riyadh outlined a roadmap for Syria’s post-Assad reconstruction, which included discussions on easing international sanctions.
(Wikipedia - Riyadh meetings on Syria 2025)

Regional and Global Implications

Trump's decision to lift sanctions also coincides with a broader agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia, including a $142 billion arms deal, signaling a new strategic alignment in the Middle East.
(The Guardian)

Meanwhile, the European Union had already lifted sanctions earlier this year in key sectors such as energy, transportation, and banking, suggesting a coordinated Western effort to re-engage with Syria's new leadership.
(Wikipedia - International sanctions against Syria)

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Sources:

1. The Guardian: US and Saudi Arabia sign $142bn arms deal and Trump confirms meeting with Syrian leader

2. Reuters: Syrian foreign minister says lifting of sanctions 'new start' for reconstruction

3. New York Post: Trump announces end to Syria sanctions before meeting ex-Al Qaeda president

4. Wikipedia: Riyadh meetings on Syria (2025)

5. Wikipedia: International sanctions against Syria