RIYADH, May 14 – The meeting took place in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signaling a renewed U.S. push to reshape regional alliances in the Middle East. The meeting took place in the presence of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signaling a renewed U.S. push to reshape regional alliances in the Middle East.
Al-Sharaa, who rose to power following the ousting of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad, has a controversial past. He was previously affiliated with extremist factions during Syria’s civil conflict but renounced such ties years ago. Despite this background, Trump’s administration made the bold move to lift all U.S. sanctions on Syria just hours before the high-profile sit-down — a decision drawing both praise and criticism internationally.
During their conversation, Trump pressed Sharaa to consider opening formal ties with Israel, suggesting that Syria could follow the example of nations like the UAE and Bahrain, which previously established relations under U.S-led peace efforts. The president stressed that regional cooperation and peace depend on new diplomatic frameworks, even between historic rivals.
“We’re giving Syria a new opportunity to join the modern Middle East,” Trump said during a brief address in Riyadh. “There’s tremendous potential for peace and prosperity if Syria chooses a future based on cooperation, not conflict.”
Sanctions Lifted, Investment Doors Open
The removal of U.S. sanctions marks a major turning point for Syria, a country still recovering from over a decade of civil war. With sanctions gone, doors are opening for humanitarian aid groups, foreign investors, and regional trade partnerships that were previously blocked due to financial and legal restrictions.
Saudi officials were quick to capitalize on the announcement. At a press briefing, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud expressed Saudi Arabia’s willingness to aid in Syria’s economic rebuilding efforts, noting that the kingdom views the country as a promising landscape for future investments. He mentioned sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy as areas ripe for cooperation.
Trump’s broader agenda during his Gulf tour also involves strengthening economic ties. On the same day, Saudi Arabia committed to a record-breaking $600 billion investment package in the United States, covering energy, defense, and technology. The deal includes a $142 billion arms sale, one of the largest ever made between the two nations.
Later in the day, Trump traveled to Qatar, where expectations are high for further economic collaboration. Qatar is reportedly finalizing a deal with Boeing to purchase nearly 100 widebody jets — a move that underscores the depth of Gulf-U.S. commercial ties.
Regional Reactions and Israel’s Caution
Reactions to the Trump-Sharaa meeting have been mixed. While Gulf nations appeared supportive of Syria’s reintegration into the Arab political sphere, Israeli officials have expressed reservations. Israel remains concerned about the nature of Syria’s new leadership and its potential alignment with hostile elements.
Though Sharaa formally distanced himself from al Qaeda in 2016, his history continues to raise eyebrows in Jerusalem. Israeli military operations in southern Syria have intensified since the fall of Assad, and top officials have stated they will not allow an Islamist government to operate near Israeli borders.
Still, Trump seemed confident that a shift was underway. “People change, nations evolve,” he said. “By inviting others to join the dialogue, we open the door to the possibility of lasting peace.”
Syria’s foreign minister is expected to hold further talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to strengthen joint efforts aimed at reducing militant influence and restoring peace in the region.
The Syrian government confirmed that counterterrorism, regional security, and reducing the influence of armed non-state groups like ISIS were top priorities discussed in the Trump-Sharaa dialogue. According to Syria’s Foreign Ministry, the two leaders also discussed joint intelligence-sharing and future diplomatic exchanges.
A Complicated Legacy and a New Chapter
Al-Sharaa’s rise to power hasn’t been without bloodshed. In March, internal clashes between remnants of Assad loyalists and government forces led to civilian massacres, particularly among Syria’s Alawite minority. The new administration has condemned the attacks and vowed to bring those responsible to justice.
Trump’s policy reversal, especially after previously labeling Syria’s leadership as hostile, is being interpreted by some analysts as part of his broader Middle East legacy — a legacy marked by unconventional diplomacy and transactional geopolitics.
Whether Syria ultimately embraces normalized ties with Israel remains to be seen. However, this meeting in Riyadh may be remembered as a pivotal moment that reshaped Syria’s international standing and reintroduced it to the world stage after years of isolation.
As Trump continues his tour with planned visits to the UAE and potentially Turkey, the world is watching closely. His next moves may further define the path forward for U.S. engagement in a region that remains volatile but full of diplomatic possibilities.
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