Riyadh, May 13 — In a major foreign policy development, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed his intention to remove the long-standing U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a possible milestone in the country’s reintegration into the global community after years of conflict.
Speaking at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Conference in Riyadh on Tuesday, Trump declared his intention to remove the sanctions that were originally imposed during the regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, pointing to a new chance for advancement and stability in the region.
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Trump expressed his satisfaction in announcing that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Syria’s newly appointed foreign minister in Turkey later this week. "Following productive discussions with the Crown Prince and Turkish President Erdoğan, I have decided to instruct the lifting of sanctions on Syria so they can move forward."
Trump emphasized his admiration for the Middle East, noting that while the sanctions were once necessary in response to Assad-era atrocities, the current situation demands a new approach. He acknowledged that the sanctions had been severe but necessary in the past, yet emphasized that it is now time for the Syrian people to focus on rebuilding. "Wishing Syria the best," he added.
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The announcement comes ahead of a high-level meeting between Trump and Syria’s newly appointed president, Ahmed Al-Sarar, scheduled for Wednesday in Riyadh. The White House has confirmed the meeting, and according to a report by The London Times, discussions may include the possibility of Syria establishing diplomatic relations with Israel under the framework of the Abraham Accords.
In response, Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Trump’s remarks. In a statement posted on social media, the ministry acknowledged the sanctions were originally imposed in reaction to war crimes committed under Bashar al-Assad but praised Trump’s decision as a step toward reconciliation and rebuilding.
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"We welcome President Trump's willingness to remove the sanctions and view it as a recognition of the Syrian people's right to progress and peace," the statement read.
The potential thaw in U.S.-Syria relations signals a broader strategic recalibration in the Middle East and could pave the way for increased diplomatic and economic engagement in the region.
Source: Reuters
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