Trump urges Syria to normalize relations with Israel

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on May 14, urging him to establish ties with Israel, following a U.S. decision to lift all sanctions on Syria's government. The meeting took place before a summit between the United States and Gulf Arab nations. Photos shown on Saudi state television depicted Trump and Sharaa shaking hands, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also present. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan participated in the meeting virtually.

Trump encouraged Sharaa to follow the example of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco, which normalized relations with Israel through the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020. The United States is also pushing for Saudi Arabia to join the Accords, although discussions stalled after the outbreak of the Gaza war, with Saudi Arabia asserting that Palestinian statehood is a precondition for normalization.

Despite internal opposition over Syria’s leadership's ties to Al Qaeda, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, marking a significant policy shift. Washington is also exploring ways to normalize relations with Syria, starting with the meeting between Trump and Sharaa.

The decision to lift sanctions is a significant boost for Sharaa, who has faced challenges in consolidating control over Syria after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. Sanctions relief will facilitate greater humanitarian assistance and foreign investments, aiding Syria’s reconstruction efforts. However, Israel, a close U.S. ally, opposes sanction relief, citing security concerns and its military operations in Syria, particularly in the southern regions.

The Syrian government continues to face internal unrest, with loyalists attacking government forces and escalating tensions. The U.S. has condemned such violence, particularly after Islamist fighters killed hundreds of civilians in March.

Sharaa, once a leader of Al Qaeda’s branch in Syria, has distanced himself from the group since 2016. The U.S. lifted a $10 million bounty on his head in December.

Syria’s foreign minister confirmed that the meeting addressed combating terrorism and cooperation in eliminating non-state actors, including ISIS. A follow-up meeting is planned between Syria's foreign minister and U.S. officials.

Trump’s visit to the Gulf region included a range of business deals, including a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia and a $142 billion arms deal. Trump also visited Qatar, where he is expected to participate in discussions about significant U.S. investments. Additionally, Qatar plans to gift the U.S. a Boeing 747-8 plane for use as Air Force One, a controversial gesture that has sparked criticism.