US President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria ahead of an upcoming meeting with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during his Middle East tour. The move, confirmed by the White House, was celebrated in Damascus with widespread jubilation.
The sanctions, imposed during Bashar al-Assad’s rule, had blocked international aid and financing. Trump stated the change would offer Syria “a chance at greatness,” describing it as their “time to shine.” Syria’s foreign minister hailed the announcement as a crucial turning point after years of war and poverty.
This marks a major policy shift, with the US previously insisting sanctions would remain until progress on minority rights was evident. Trump’s decision follows requests from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Turkish President Erdogan, with whom he recently signed a $142 billion arms deal.
