Key Points
- Trump met Syrian leader in a private Oval Office meeting. The visit follows recent US policy shifts on Syria.
- Al-Sharaa once faced a US bounty and prison time. Officials say his terror label was removed this year.
- The meeting had no reporters and no official photos released. Analysts say it marks Syria’s shift toward formal politics.
US President Donald Trump met Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in private today. The meeting was held inside the White House with no reporters present.
White House aides confirmed the US had lifted sanctions on al-Sharaa. This follows other White House changes such as the Trump White House portrait move.
Why the US moved
Officials said the move came after a review of al-Sharaa’s record and role in Syria. They noted his recent UN visit and new diplomatic contacts.
Al-Sharaa once led a militant group and faced a large US bounty, the sources said. He also spent time in prison in Iraq before later moving into politics.
Analysts say Washington’s step signals a wider shift in Syria’s scene and its ties. The change follows months of quiet talks and backchannel contacts.
The White House would not release photos from the meeting, aides said. Aides added that some economic limits were eased to allow talks.
The meeting drew swift comment online and from foreign capitals, observers said. Some allies voiced concern while others called for calm and more facts.
The wider impact
Experts say the visit could open formal ties between Washington and parts of Syria. They add that this may change aid flows and local deals.
Trump has praised al-Sharaa in past meetings on the region, the sources said. That tone helped clear a path for moves on sanctions this year.
The US also removed a terror label for Syria’s interior minister, the aides said. That step came with other legal and trade changes in recent months.
Some rights groups urged care and called for clear checks on new ties. Others said the move may help ease fighting and bring more talks.
Foreign policy teams say work now turns to follow up and checks on deals. The White House plans more briefings with partners in the coming days.
