In a moment that caught many by surprise, U.S. President Donald Trump sat down for a historic meeting with Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa—marking the first direct encounter between the two nations’ leaders in over 25 years. The meeting, held on the sidelines of a major summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signals a possible turning point in long-frozen U.S.–Syria relations.
Speaking to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders, President Trump didn’t hold back his optimism. “With the support of the great leaders in this room, we are currently exploring normalising relations with Syria’s new government,” he announced. His tone was forward-looking, framing the meeting not just as symbolic, but as a sincere step toward rebuilding ties. He further stunned the room by revealing that the U.S. plans to lift all sanctions on Syria.
“We will be dropping all sanctions,” Trump said. “It’s time for a fresh start.”
For many, the image of Trump shaking hands with al-Sharaa—once a rebel leader associated with al-Qaeda, now Syria’s interim president—was a powerful one. Captured in a photo shared by Saudi state media, the handshake took place with none other than Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) standing between them, a quiet yet commanding presence.
Al-Sharaa’s rise from rebel commander to head of state is controversial, but in Trump’s eyes, it represents change and opportunity. The gesture to engage rather than isolate could reshape the region’s political landscape.
Whether this will truly usher in a new era of diplomacy or provoke deeper debate remains to be seen. But for now, the world is watching as two longtime adversaries take their first step toward an uncertain but potentially transformative future.
