U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest Middle East visit is making waves, as he met with Syria’s new Islamist president and encouraged him to establish diplomatic relations with Israel. This surprise development comes alongside the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Syria — a major shift in American foreign policy.
Key Highlights of Trump’s Middle East Trip
Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
Called on Syria to join the Abraham Accords — normalisation agreements with Israel.
Lifted all U.S. sanctions on Syria, despite concerns over Sharaa’s past ties to extremist groups.
Signed major defence and business deals, including Qatar Airways’ $200 billion order for Boeing aircraft.
Visited key Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reinforcing U.S. relations in the region.
Trump Meets Syrian Leader with Controversial Past
During a summit held in Saudi Arabia, Trump sat down with Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s recently appointed president. Sharaa, once a senior member of al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, came to power after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December.
Despite his past, Sharaa has distanced himself from extremist groups in recent years. In 2016, he officially cut ties with al Qaeda, and in 2024, the U.S. government removed a $10 million bounty on his head.
According to Trump, their meeting went well:
“He’s a young, attractive guy with a very strong past. He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said.
Trump Pushes for Syria-Israel Normalisation
The former U.S. president encouraged Syria to follow the lead of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco — countries that normalised relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords in 2020.
In a message shared by the White House on X (formerly Twitter), Trump stated:
“I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out.’ He said, ‘Yes.’ But they have a lot of work to do.”
This move has raised eyebrows in Israel, especially as the U.S. also explores nuclear talks with Iran. Many in Israel’s far-right government are now questioning the country’s position in Washington’s long-term strategy.
U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Syria: A Major Policy Shift
In a dramatic move, Trump announced that all U.S. sanctions on Syria would be lifted, opening the door for:
Foreign investments and trade.
Humanitarian aid to flow into the war-torn country.
Reconstruction projects to begin across Syria.
The decision is seen as a significant boost for President Sharaa, who has struggled to stabilise Syria since the fall of Assad.
Saudi Arabia Shows Support
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud praised the development and noted the potential for:
Investment opportunities in Syria.
Economic cooperation to rebuild infrastructure and public services.
Concerns from Israel and Regional Tensions
While Trump maintains that his trip is not a shift away from Israel, Israeli officials are worried.
Israel continues to view Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat.
Israeli military has stepped up strikes in Syria following Assad’s fall.
Officials remain sceptical about Sharaa’s Islamist roots, even though he broke with al Qaeda nearly a decade ago.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not commented on the meeting.
Focus on Combating Terrorism
Syria’s foreign minister shared that the meeting also touched on:
Counter-terrorism cooperation.
Joint efforts to eliminate Islamic State and other armed groups still active in Syria.
The discussions will continue in a follow-up meeting between Syrian and U.S. foreign ministers, with Senator Marco Rubio expected to take part.
Trump’s Visit Brings Big Business Deals
Trump’s tour isn’t just about diplomacy — it’s also about business.
Saudi Arabia Commits to U.S. Investment
On the first day of his four-day Gulf tour:
Saudi Arabia pledged $600 billion in investment in the U.S.
A further $142 billion in arms deals was agreed upon between the two nations.
Trump Visits Qatar After Years of Tension
Trump’s arrival in Doha, Qatar, marks a major turnaround. Just a few years ago, the U.S. had backed a blockade on Qatar, accusing the nation of supporting terrorism. That freeze has thawed.
Now, Trump has become the first U.S. president to visit Qatar in over two decades. During his visit:
Qatar Airways placed an order for 160 Boeing planes, valued at over $200 billion.
The U.S. and Qatar also signed new defence agreements.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani praised the visit:
“Doha and Washington are going to another level.”
What This Means for the Middle East
Trump’s high-profile meetings and deals across the Gulf are reshaping regional dynamics. By extending an olive branch to Syria, the U.S. may be aiming to:
Stabilise Syria through economic reintegration.
Encourage peaceful ties between former enemies like Syria and Israel.
Isolate Iran by pulling its old allies into the Western fold.
However, questions remain over the long-term success of these diplomatic shifts, especially given Syria’s fragile state and ongoing internal conflicts.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s visit has undoubtedly shaken up the status quo in the Middle East. Whether these bold moves will lead to lasting peace or further tensions is yet to be seen. One thing is clear: the former U.S. president remains a powerful force in shaping international relations.
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