Washington D.C./ Damascus – May 14 2025 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with Syria’s newly appointed interim president following the historic announcement that international sanctions have been lifted for Damascus after over a decade. This meeting, expected to occur within weeks in a neutral location, marks an historic breakthrough in U.S.-Syria relations and signalled his renewed involvement in global diplomacy ahead of his 2026 presidential campaign cycle.
Just days ago, the United Nations and European Union announced a gradual lifting of economic and diplomatic sanctions imposed upon Syria following the civil war that flared in 2011. Following suit with their announcements was an announcement by the U.S. to also ease restrictions citing progress being made toward political transition as well as humanitarian reform under an interim administration.
Trump’s office confirmed its willingness to engage in an “open and constructive dialogue” with Syria’s interim leader, Dr. Samir Al-Hadid – a former diplomat and moderate reformist who assumed control after Bashar al-Assad stepped down earlier this year.
“President Trump believes in the value of diplomacy when it advances peace and economic opportunity in the Middle East,” according to a spokesperson for Trump. He looks forward to discussing regional stability, repatriation of refugees, and rebuilding Syria’s war-torn infrastructure through international collaboration.
Damascus is filled with cautious optimism as thousands of Syrians gathered this week in public squares to mark what state media referred to as the “dawn of a new era.” With sanctions removed, billions in frozen assets will likely become available again and global markets, foreign investments and international aid may re-open for business as normal.
Interim President Al-Hadid made an impassioned plea for global cooperation at a televised press conference, thanking them for recognizing “the will of the Syrian people”. He expressed willingness to rebuild relationships with all countries – including America. In particular, Al-Hadid noted how meeting former President Trump had opened up new avenues of mutual respect, sovereignty, and collaboration:
While the Biden administration hasn’t publicly supported Trump’s planned meeting, they issued a statement welcoming international engagement with Syria’s interim government provided it supports democratic transition and human rights. Analysts speculated that Trump could use such engagement to build his profile among foreign policy voters while increasing post-presidential diplomatic initiatives.
Critics remain wary, however, given Syria’s complex internal factions and tenuous ceasefire agreements. Middle East analyst Dr. Rana Khalil warned: “The road back to full normalization will take time but this meeting could be the start of regional healing and reintegration.”
As the international community watches closely, the Trump-Al-Hadid summit may become a pivotal moment in changing Syria’s role on the international scene.
Leave a Reply