Context:

In a historic move, President Donald Trump met with Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking the first meeting between U.S. and Syrian leadership in 25 years. Trump announced the lifting of the 'brutal and crippling' sanctions previously imposed on Syria under Bashar al-Assad's regime, signaling a significant policy shift towards normalizing relations with the war-torn country. The meeting occurred alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council summit, where Trump emphasized the potential for peace and rebuilding with Syria's new government. The decision was met with celebrations in Damascus and described by Syria’s Foreign Ministry as a pivotal turning point for the nation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to further engage with Syrian officials to continue diplomatic discussions later in the week.

Dive Deeper:

• President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh, marking a historic diplomatic engagement as it was the first meeting between U.S. and Syrian leadership since 2000, when Bill Clinton was president.

• Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, which were deemed 'brutal and crippling', as part of a broader strategy to normalize relations and provide the Syrian government with a fresh start following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

• The informal meeting took place on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council summit, where Trump addressed regional leaders and highlighted the potential for peace and reconstruction in Syria under its new leadership.

• Syrians in the capital, Damascus, celebrated the announcement, viewing it as a hopeful step towards recovery and a significant shift away from the hardships endured during the prolonged conflict.

• Syria’s Foreign Ministry praised the lifting of sanctions as a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, offering a chance to close a painful chapter of war and work towards a more prosperous future.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to engage in further diplomatic talks with his Syrian counterpart, aiming to solidify the steps towards normalized relations and continued dialogue.

• Trump expressed confidence that the removal of sanctions would offer Syria a strong opportunity for progress, reiterating his commitment to facilitating this new diplomatic path.