In a landmark meeting at the White House on November 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump and Syrian interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa engaged in discussions aimed at resetting bilateral relations. This marked the first visit by a Syrian leader to the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946. Unlike traditional state visits, al-Sharaa entered through a side gate, signaling a low-profile yet significant encounter. The closed-door meeting in the Oval Office focused on two critical issues: the lifting of US sanctions on Syria and Syria’s potential entry into the US-led global coalition against the Islamic State (IS) group. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the suspension of the Caesar Act sanctions, a set of stringent measures imposed during Syria’s civil war. Rubio emphasized that this move would support Syria’s economic recovery and foster peace. The Syrian side, however, seeks a permanent repeal of these sanctions, which would require congressional action. Additionally, al-Sharaa agreed to join the US-led coalition against IS, which remains active in Syria. The US also plans to allow Syria to resume operations at its embassy in Washington, focusing on counterterrorism and economic cooperation. This meeting follows a series of diplomatic efforts, including the removal of al-Sharaa from the UN Security Council’s sanctions list. Analysts caution that while these steps are promising, Syria’s path to stability remains fraught with challenges, including sectarian violence and a massive reconstruction bill estimated at over $200 billion.
US, Syria move toward resetting ties as Trump meets al-Sharaa to discuss sanctions, security
