In a rare and groundbreaking meeting, President Donald Trump sat down with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, offering a sweeping deal to bring Syria into the Abraham Accords in exchange for full U.S. sanctions relief.
This marks the first direct engagement between a U.S. president and Syrian leadership in over two decades. Trump presented the proposal as a pathway toward regional peace, urging Syria to normalize diplomatic ties with Israel and commit to counterterrorism efforts, including regaining control over ISIS detention centers in the northeast.
President al-Sharaa, who rose to power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, reportedly responded with cautious interest, citing the need to stabilize Syria internally before making a formal commitment.
The talks also included discussions on economic recovery, regional cooperation, and Syria’s potential role in future security arrangements across the Middle East. Trump positioned the proposal as a chance for Syria to reenter the international fold, rebuild its economy, and secure a new chapter in diplomacy.
While the offer has sparked international attention, it also raises critical questions about the risks of negotiating with a nation still reeling from years of civil conflict and fractured governance. The global community is now closely watching Syria’s next move.