Trump meets Syria’s Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh

Riyadh

US President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting, which also included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top officials, highlighted growing diplomatic discussions in the region.

The US President announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, offering a path for the country’s potential recovery. "I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions to give Syria a chance at greatness," Trump said after meeting with the Crown Prince and Turkish President Erdogan via phone.

Sharaa, a former Al Qaeda commander and head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has been instrumental in challenging the government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Earlier this month, he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris as part of Syria’s diplomatic outreach.

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of a four-day trip that will also include stops in Qatar and the UAE. Upon his arrival in Riyadh on Tuesday, he was greeted with a 21-gun salute and a warm reception from Crown Prince Mohammed.

During his address in Riyadh, Trump spoke of a new vision for the Middle East, focusing on commerce, technology, and cooperation instead of conflict. "A new generation of leaders is transcending ancient divisions and forging a peaceful future for the region," Trump said.