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U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to “do everything” to help rebuild Syria following landmark talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the former rebel commander who ousted Bashar al-Assad. The visit marks the first time a Syrian leader has met a U.S. president in Washington, signaling a dramatic shift in relations after years of hostility.
Sharaa, once sanctioned as a terrorist and carrying a $10 million bounty, has repositioned himself as a reformist seeking international legitimacy and economic revival for war-torn Syria. His meeting with Trump focused on sanctions relief, with the U.S. Treasury extending its suspension of the Caesar Act sanctions for another 180 days. While Trump voiced confidence in Sharaa’s leadership, he acknowledged his controversial past, saying, “We’ve all had rough pasts.”
During the visit, Trump described Sharaa as a “strong leader” and promised continued U.S. cooperation to make Syria “successful.” Sharaa, for his part, emphasized that Syria is now a partner, not a threat, to Washington. The U.S. is reportedly brokering a potential security pact between Syria and Israel, as well as exploring a military presence near Damascus.
The visit came amid reports of two foiled Islamic State assassination plots targeting Sharaa. Syrian forces have since launched operations against ISIS cells nationwide.
Sharaa’s new government has pivoted away from Iran and Russia, aligning instead with Turkey, Gulf states, and the U.S. He is also lobbying for full repeal of the Caesar Act to attract global investment needed to rebuild Syria, which the World Bank estimates will cost over $200 billion.
Trump’s renewed Middle East focus comes as he balances peace efforts in Gaza with the U.S.-Syria rapprochement, marking one of the most unexpected geopolitical turnarounds in recent years.
