Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that his country will formally join the U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State (IS), following an unprecedented meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.
This marks the first time a Syrian leader has visited Washington and signals a sharp turn in American foreign policy, that may reshape regional alliances and the global effort against Islamist extremism.
A “New Chapter” for Syria–U.S. Relations
Speaking in an interview with Fox News after the meeting, al-Sharaa called the visit the beginning of “a new era” of cooperation between Damascus and Washington. “We are entering a stage of rebuilding trust, focusing on the fight against extremism and the rebuilding of our country,” he said.
President Trump praised the Syrian leader as “a strong, capable man who can turn his country around,” while calling the partnership “a major win for peace and stability in the Middle East.”
Washington Lifts Key Sanctions
Following the talks, senior administration officials confirmed that the U.S. Treasury, State, and Commerce Departments will soon unveil measures easing restrictions on Syria’s economy.
The Caesar Act, which had imposed sweeping sanctions on Damascus since 2019, will be suspended for 180 days, allowing limited U.S. investment and humanitarian aid to flow into the country.
Officials said the decision reflects the administration’s confidence in Syria’s new leadership and its commitment to counterterrorism goals.
From Pariah to Partner
Al-Sharaa’s transformation has been remarkable. Once branded a global terrorist and the head of a militant faction linked to al-Qaeda, he was removed from the U.S. terrorist list just last week.
Since assuming power, the Syrian president has sought to distance himself from his militant past, vowing to purge elements within his security forces accused of human rights violations.
Trump brushed off questions about al-Sharaa’s history, saying, “He’s a fighter and sometimes you need a fighter to bring peace.”
Reopening Diplomatic Channels
For the first time since 2012, Syria will be allowed to reopen its embassy in Washington, restoring diplomatic relations that were severed during the civil war. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Syria will become the 90th nation to join the anti-ISIS coalition, marking what analysts describe as “a symbolic but significant” expansion of international cooperation against terrorism.
