Trump Pledges Full Support for Syria’s Success After Historic Sahara Talks

In a historic diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump pledged full support to Syria following landmark talks with the country’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the war-torn nation.

Sharaa’s visit to Washington, the first-ever by a Syrian president, came six months after his initial meeting with Trump in Saudi Arabia, where plans to lift some US sanctions were first discussed. Sharaa’s main goal in Washington was to secure full removal of the harshest US sanctions, known as the Caesar Act, imposed on Syria in 2019. While Trump met Sharaa behind closed doors, the US Treasury Department simultaneously announced a 180-day extension of the suspension on enforcement of these sanctions. However, only Congress has the authority to lift the measures entirely.

Speaking to reporters, Trump praised Sharaa as a “strong leader” and expressed confidence in his ability to guide Syria toward stability. “We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful,” the US president said, acknowledging Sharaa’s controversial past. “We’ve all had rough pasts.”

Sharaa, 43, came to power last year after his rebel forces toppled long-time autocratic leader Bashar al-Assad. Since then, he has sought to reposition Syria on the global stage as a moderate nation aiming for unity and international reintegration. The Syrian leader emphasized that his country is now moving away from traditional allies such as Iran and Russia and toward cooperation with Washington, Turkey, and Gulf nations.

The Treasury Department’s announcement of “continued sanctions relief” follows its May 23 waiver on enforcement of the Caesar Act, extending the suspension for another 180 days. This move underscores the US administration’s willingness to support Sharaa’s transition while encouraging reforms and stability in Syria.

Security and military cooperation were expected to dominate discussions between the two leaders. Washington is reportedly brokering talks on a possible security pact between Syria and Israel and may establish a US military presence at a Damascus airbase to help safeguard the fragile transition.

Analysts note that the meeting signals a broader US policy shift, viewing Syria not as a threat but as a potential geopolitical ally in the Middle East. While challenges remain in rebuilding a country devastated by decades of war, both leaders expressed optimism about the future of US-Syria relations.

The historic talks and ongoing diplomatic engagement mark a pivotal moment for Syria, offering the country a chance to emerge from isolation and build stronger ties with Washington and its allies.