In a dramatic and unexpected development on the international stage, U.S. President Donald Trump held a face-to-face meeting today (Wednesday) with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa al-Jolani in Saudi Arabia—marking the first such encounter between American and Syrian heads of state in a quarter of a century. The high-stakes meeting took place ahead of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit and lasted approximately 33 minutes. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were also present.
A Rare Encounter—First Since Clinton and Assad Sr.
The last time a U.S. president met a Syrian leader was in Geneva 25 years ago, when President Bill Clinton sat down with a terminally ill Hafez al-Assad, then President of Syria. This week’s meeting signals a potential turning point. Trump announced he is “exploring normalization of relations with Syria” under its new leadership and hinted at the possibility of integrating Syria into the Abraham Accords—an initiative aimed at fostering peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
He also called on Syria to expel all Palestinian terrorist elements and to cooperate in preventing the resurgence of ISIS in the region.
Trump on Iran and Gaza: ‘No Peace with Murderers’
Amid renewed diplomatic activity with Iran, Trump emphasized that while he remains open to a nuclear deal, Iran must first “cease its support for terrorism” and commit to a non-nuclear future. Commenting on the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process, Trump declared: “We are trying to bring peace to Gaza—but it cannot happen while the leaders in Gaza are murdering and raping innocent civilians.”
Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman echoed the sentiment, stating: “We aim to de-escalate the situation, end the war in Gaza, and reach a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.”
Picture of the day #TrumpInKSA pic.twitter.com/YazGaUwMIt
— (@MArizanti) May 14, 2025
Trump’s Middle East Tour Continues
President Trump landed in Riyadh Tuesday morning—his first visit since returning to office, and only his second overall trip to the region. His arrival was marked by a military escort of Saudi F-15 fighter jets, and a ceremonial welcome at the foot of the plane by Crown Prince bin Salman. Trump is also expected to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas—marking their first meeting since the start of Trump’s current term. The last such encounter occurred in 2022, when then-President Joe Biden met Abbas in Bethlehem during his own regional tour.
Despite recent rumors that Trump intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state, his office has issued a firm denial.
Trump: “Time to Lift Sanctions on Syria”
In a statement delivered Tuesday night in Riyadh, Trump addressed key geopolitical issues including negotiations to free hostages, the future of Syria, and a new diplomatic roadmap for the region. Following discussions with Crown Prince bin Salman and President Erdoğan, Trump announced his intention to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. “I believe the Syrians are on the verge of success. Good luck, Syria,” he said.
While Israeli officials have not denied that Prime Minister Netanyahu urged Trump to maintain the sanctions, sources confirm the request was declined.
Ongoing Hostage Crisis and Iran Nuclear Talks
Trump reiterated U.S. efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza: “We’re working hard to bring them home. We want this horrific war to end,” he said, referring to the October 7 attacks on Israel, which he labeled “barbaric atrocities.”
Regarding the nuclear talks with Iran, Trump urged Tehran to choose a “new and better path,” saying: “I want a deal with Iran—but the offer won’t last forever. Things are moving quickly.”
