Trump Hosts Syria’s al-Sharaa at White House as U.S. Extends Sanctions Relief

United States President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in what was seen as a landmark diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The meeting coincided with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s announcement that it would extend the suspension of sanctions on Damascus for another six months, signaling a potential thaw in relations between Washington and the Syrian government.

This event marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a Syrian leader had visited the White House since Syria gained independence in 1946. The talks came after an extraordinary year for al-Sharaa, who, at just 43 years old, rose to power after toppling Syria’s longtime authoritarian ruler, Bashar al-Assad, in December of the previous year. Al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda commander, has sought to transform Syria’s image on the international stage and rebuild the war-torn nation, aiming to end decades of isolation that followed years of civil war and extremist influence.

According to an official statement from the Syrian presidency, the discussions between Trump and al-Sharaa focused primarily on strengthening bilateral relations between Syria and the United States. Both leaders explored ways to develop cooperation in political, economic, and security spheres, as well as a range of regional and international issues of shared interest. This dialogue was viewed as an important step toward reintegrating Syria into the international community, following years of conflict and estrangement from Western powers.

President Trump expressed his admiration for al-Sharaa during and after the meeting, describing him as a “tough guy” who comes from a “very tough place.” He praised al-Sharaa’s leadership and his apparent willingness to move Syria toward stability. Trump further emphasized that the U.S. would support efforts to help Syria succeed, describing the broader Middle East as being in a rare state of peace. “We’ll do everything we can to make Syria successful,” Trump declared, adding that this peace in the Middle East was something “no one can remember ever happening before.”

At the same time, Trump acknowledged al-Sharaa’s controversial background. Once an al-Qaeda commander, al-Sharaa’s past has drawn global scrutiny and skepticism about his legitimacy as a leader. However, Trump downplayed this concern, saying, “We’ve all had rough pasts,” suggesting that the focus should be on the future rather than past affiliations.

Later, in an interview with Fox News, President al-Sharaa addressed his past directly. He admitted that his association with al-Qaeda was a part of history but insisted that it was not discussed during his talks with Trump. He stressed that his government is now committed to peace and reconstruction, and that Syria is no longer a threat to the West. Instead, he portrayed his country as a new geopolitical ally of Washington, intent on cooperation rather than confrontation.

The meeting symbolized a dramatic shift in U.S.-Syria relations. After years of enmity and sanctions, the dialogue between Trump and al-Sharaa raised both hope and controversy. It suggested that Washington might be open to redefining its Middle East alliances, while Syria seeks rehabilitation and legitimacy on the world stage. Whether this diplomatic breakthrough will lead to lasting cooperation remains to be seen, but it undeniably marked a historic turning point in both nations’ foreign policies.