US President Donald Trump announced today, May 13 that his administration will lift all sanctions on Syria, a historic move that could unlock a path toward economic recovery and diplomatic normalization for a country devastated by more than a decade of war.
Speaking at the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh, Trump declared, “I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” drawing applause from the audience and a standing ovation led by Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman. “It’s their time to shine. We’re taking them all off,” Trump said.
The announcement marks the most significant shift in US policy on Syria in over 13 years, reversing punitive measures first imposed during the regime of Bashar al-Assad. The move follows months of quiet diplomacy involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Syrian Foreign Ministry comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday in Riyadh.
Signals of Reconciliation After Years of Isolation
Since the fall of the Assad regime, Sharaa’s administration has pushed for sanctions relief and international re-engagement. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani welcomed Trump’s decision, calling it “a new start” and thanking Saudi Arabia for its role in facilitating the breakthrough.
In a statement to Reuters, Shaibani said, “This development signals a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people as we move toward a future of stability, self-sufficiency and meaningful reconstruction.”
The UN also welcomed the announcement. Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said lifting sanctions will “have a positive impact on the country’s economic recovery.” The World Bank estimates Syria’s economy shrank by more than half between 2010 and 2021, with over 90% of the population now living below the poverty line.
Diplomatic Momentum and Regional Stakes
Trump confirmed he would meet Sharaa on Wednesday, saying, “Yes, I think so,” when asked by reporters. White House officials later clarified that the president had agreed to greet the Syrian leader in Riyadh. While controversial given Sharaa’s past, US officials see the meeting as a potential diplomatic opening.
“This is an incredibly important signal,” said Alex Zerden, a former senior US official. “Just the fact that it’s come from President Trump at such a public event demonstrates that this is much larger and much more expansive than previously contemplated.”
Fox News reported that Sharaa could emerge as a “strategic partner” to Trump, with discussions reportedly covering economic cooperation, intelligence sharing, and US access to Syrian energy resources.
Broader Regional Implications
The decision comes amid broader geopolitical realignments, including potential expansions of the Abraham Accords and US attempts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. Trump noted, “Together, we have made unprecedented strides… We are still just at the dawn of a bright new day for the people of the Middle East.”
While the exact terms of Syria’s reintegration remain unclear, the lifting of sanctions has already shifted the tone of regional diplomacy. With tomorrow’s meeting on the horizon, many are watching for signs that a new chapter between Washington and Damascus may finally be opening.
