Trump Lifts Syria Sanctions and Sets 45-Minute Meeting with New Leader in Riyadh

Hi, folks! Big news is shaking up the Middle East, and we’re here to break it down for you. On May 13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell: he’s lifting sanctions on Syria, a country that’s been struggling under restrictions for decades. On top of that, he’s scheduled a 45-minute face-to-face meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today, May 14, at 09:41 AM CEST. This is a historic moment, and the team at TheMors has been digging into the story to give you all the details you need. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and what might come next for Syria and the region.

What’s Behind Trump’s Move to Lift Sanctions on Syria?

Syria has been under U.S. sanctions since 1979, when it was listed as a state sponsor of terrorism. Things got even tougher during the 14-year civil war under former President Bashar al-Assad, who was forced out in December 2024. Those sanctions hit hard—Syria couldn’t access global banking systems, trade was nearly impossible, and rebuilding the country felt like a pipe dream. Reports from the United Nations say over 90% of Syrians were living in poverty by the time Assad left.

Trump made the announcement during a speech at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum in Riyadh on May 13. “I’m ordering the sanctions on Syria to be lifted so they can have a shot at something great,” he said, adding, “Good luck, Syria, let’s see what you’ve got.” The crowd cheered, and back in Damascus, people poured into the streets with music and flags, celebrating what they hope is a new beginning. Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, called it a “turning point” for the nation’s future.

Why now? Trump’s been talking with key players like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who both pushed for this change. For Syria, lifting sanctions means a chance to rebuild—think trade deals, foreign investment, and maybe even getting the lights back on in cities that have been dark for years.

Meet Ahmed al-Sharaa: Syria’s New Face

From Rebel Fighter to Leader

Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, is the man stepping into the spotlight. He’s Syria’s interim president, leading the country after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), ousted Assad. HTS has a messy past—it was once linked to al-Qaeda before cutting ties in 2016, and the U.S. labeled it a terrorist group for years. Al-Sharaa even had a $10 million bounty on his head at one point. But since taking control, he’s been working hard to change that narrative.

He’s made promises to protect all groups in Syria, including minorities like Christians and Alawites, though some are still worried. In March 2025, violence in western Syria left hundreds of Alawites dead, which sparked fears of sectarian conflict. Still, al-Sharaa has been busy meeting with world leaders—he sat down with French President Emmanuel Macron recently, and now he’s got Trump’s attention. This 45-minute meeting in Riyadh is the first time a U.S. president has met a Syrian leader since 2000, when Bill Clinton met Hafez al-Assad.

What Al-Sharaa Wants from Trump

Al-Sharaa isn’t just here for a photo op. He’s got big plans to pitch. Word on the street is he’s offering to let American companies tap into Syria’s oil and gas reserves, build a Trump Tower in Damascus, and even join the Abraham Accords to make peace with Israel. These are huge offers, showing how much he wants the U.S. on his side to help Syria get back on its feet.

What’s Happening at the Trump-Al-Sharaa Meeting in Riyadh?

A Quick but Crucial Talk

Trump confirmed the meeting during his speech in Riyadh, saying, “Yeah, I’ll meet him,” when asked about al-Sharaa. A White House official later shared that the two leaders will sit down for 45 minutes on May 14, 2025, at 09:41 AM CEST. This isn’t a long chat, but it’s enough time to set the stage for a new relationship between the U.S. and Syria.

The meeting is part of Trump’s Middle East trip, where he’s already making waves. He landed in Saudi Arabia for the investment forum, where he sealed a $600 billion deal with the Saudis. After Riyadh, he’s off to Qatar and the UAE to talk more business. Holding this meeting in Saudi Arabia isn’t random—Saudi Arabia has been a big supporter of al-Sharaa’s government, hoping to pull Syria away from Iran’s influence.

What They’ll Talk About

Here’s what might come up during those 45 minutes:

• Rebuilding Syria: With sanctions gone, al-Sharaa will likely ask for U.S. help to open up trade and bring in investment for schools, hospitals, and roads.
• Keeping Iran in Check: Saudi Arabia and Turkey want Syria to distance itself from Iran, which backed Assad for years. Trump might push for this too.
• U.S. Troops in Syria: Trump’s already pulling troops out of Syria. This meeting could speed that up if al-Sharaa agrees to take on more security responsibilities.
• Peace with Israel: Al-Sharaa’s talk of joining the Abraham Accords is bold, but tricky—Israel has been bombing Syria since Assad’s fall, and tensions are high.

This meeting could be a turning point, but it’s not without risks. Some of Trump’s allies, like Israel, aren’t happy about this, and al-Sharaa’s past makes people nervous. Still, it’s a chance to change the game in the Middle East.

How This Shakes Up the Middle East

Saudi Arabia Scores a Win

Saudi Arabia is a big winner here. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been working behind the scenes to make this happen, and Trump even gave him a shoutout, saying, “What I do for the crown prince!” Saudi Arabia wants to limit Iran’s influence in Syria, and supporting al-Sharaa’s government is a key part of that plan. Plus, the $600 billion investment deal with the U.S. shows how much pull the kingdom has right now.

Israel’s Not Happy

Israel, on the other hand, is on edge. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about his distrust of al-Sharaa, pointing to his history with HTS. Since Assad’s fall, Israel has ramped up airstrikes in Syria, hitting targets like the presidential palace and even taking over parts of southwestern Syria near the Golan Heights. Trump’s decision to lift sanctions and meet al-Sharaa goes against Israel’s strategy of keeping Syria isolated, so expect some tension in the coming weeks.

A Fresh Start for Syrians

For the people of Syria, this is a rare moment of hope. Sanctions made life incredibly hard—no foreign aid, no investment, just survival. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, said lifting the sanctions is a “crucial step” for getting basic services like healthcare and education back online. But al-Sharaa’s government has a tough road ahead—it needs to show it can govern fairly and keep the country from slipping back into chaos.

Why You Should Care About This Story

Whether you’re into global politics or just curious about what’s happening in the world, this story has something for you. It’s a look at how leaders make bold moves to change the game, even when it’s risky. If you’re in business, Syria might soon be a new market to watch—think energy, construction, or trade opportunities. And if you care about peace in the Middle East, this meeting could be a small step toward something bigger, even with all the challenges.

At TheMors, we’re all about giving you the real story, no fluff. Our journalists have been following this closely, talking to sources, and putting the pieces together so you don’t have to. Stick with us for more updates on this and other big stories.

How to Stay in the Know

Want to keep up with what’s next for Syria? Here’s how:

• Check out TheMors for the latest news on U.S.-Syria relations.
• Look for updates from the U.N.—they often share reports on Syria’s progress.
• Watch Saudi Arabia’s moves—they’re a key player in this story.
• Keep an eye on al-Sharaa’s next steps. Will he keep his promises, or will old problems resurface?

FAQ: Answering Your Questions About Trump and Syria

We know you might have questions, so let’s cover the basics.

Why did Trump decide to lift sanctions now?

Trump wants to give Syria a chance to rebuild after years of war. He was also encouraged by Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who see al-Sharaa as a way to push back against Iran.

Can Ahmed al-Sharaa be trusted?

It’s hard to say. He’s got a past tied to a terrorist group, which worries some, but he’s been making promises to protect all Syrians and rebuild the country.

What’s next after the Trump-Al-Sharaa meeting?

The meeting could lead to more U.S. support for Syria, like trade deals or investment. It might also push Syria closer to peace with Israel, though that’s a long shot.

How does this affect the Middle East?

It could weaken Iran’s influence, boost Saudi Arabia’s role, and give Syria a chance to recover. But Israel’s concerns might cause more tension.

Let’s Dive Deeper Together

This is just the start of a big story, and there’s so much more to explore. From Trump’s Middle East tour to Syria’s road ahead, TheMors – Breaking News has all the updates, insights, and deep dives you need. Curious about what’s next? Swing by our site for more breaking news, expert takes, and stories that keep you in the loop. Visit TheMors now and stay ahead of the curve!