Trump to Lift Syria Sanctions, Plans Meeting with Al-Sharaa

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift economic sanctions on Syria, a decision that comes ahead of an expected meeting with Syria's interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The meeting is set to take place on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia during Trump's tour of the Middle East. According to the White House, Trump has agreed to "say hello" to al-Sharaa as part of his diplomatic engagements.

The news sparked widespread celebration in Damascus, where residents marked the development with cheers, dancing, and celebratory gunfire. The sanctions had previously cut off foreign financing and aid, placing immense pressure on Syria under the rule of ousted President Bashar al-Assad.

Speaking at an investment forum in Riyadh, Trump expressed optimism for Syria's future, stating that the policy shift would offer the country "a chance at greatness." He added, "It's their time to shine."

Syria Sees Sanctions Lift as Turning Point

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani praised the announcement, calling it a "pivotal turning point" and expressing hope for a future of "stability, self-sufficiency, and genuine reconstruction" after years of war. Nearly 90% of Syria's population had been pushed below the poverty line by the end of Assad's rule, making economic recovery a top priority for the new government.

Since taking power in December, al-Sharaa has made repeated appeals for sanctions to be removed. He previously stated that Syria no longer poses a threat to the world and has also urged that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) be removed from international terrorist watchlists. HTS, an Islamist group that overthrew Assad, has been classified as a terrorist organization by the UN, US, EU, and UK.

During a recent press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, al-Sharaa reiterated that the sanctions were linked to crimes committed by the former regime, which has now been replaced.

Concerns Remain Despite Diplomatic Shift

While the lifting of sanctions is a major win for al-Sharaa's administration, fears remain among ethnic and religious minorities. The new leader, who represents a Sunni Islamist group, has pledged to protect minorities following the fall of Assad's regime in December after 13 years of civil war.

However, violent incidents have increased tensions. In March, mass killings were reported in the coastal region inhabited by the Alawite community, sparking concerns about sectarian violence. Additional clashes have erupted involving Islamist factions, government security forces, and members of the Druze minority.

Trump's decision reflects a major shift in US foreign policy, which previously tied the removal of sanctions to human rights progress in Syria. The move followed requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. "Oh, what I do for the Crown Prince," Trump remarked, adding, "I like him too much."

During his stop in Saudi Arabia, Trump also finalized a $142 billion arms deal with the kingdom. His Middle East tour will include visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

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