On November 11, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump committed to doing “everything we can to make Syria successful” during a groundbreaking meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement, as it is the first time a Syrian head of state has visited the Oval Office since Syria gained independence from France in 1946.
Historic meeting highlights cooperation
The White House meeting was conducted behind closed doors, with al-Sharaa entering through West Executive Avenue, a departure from the usual process for foreign dignitaries. After about two hours, he exited the building to greet a gathering of supporters before departing in his motorcade.
Following the discussion, Trump expressed his confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership, stating, “I have confidence that he’ll be able to do the job.” He later shared on social media his intention to engage with the Syrian leader again in the future.
During al-Sharaa’s visit, Syria officially announced its participation in the global coalition against the Islamic State group, becoming the coalition’s 90th member. A senior U.S. official confirmed that Syria will be allowed to resume operations at its embassy in Washington, enhancing coordination between the two nations on counterterrorism, security, and economic matters.
Focus on investment and sanctions
Syria’s foreign ministry characterized the meeting as “friendly and constructive,” noting that Trump “affirmed the readiness of the United States to provide the support that the Syrian leadership needs to ensure the success of the reconstruction and development process.” In an interview with Fox News, al-Sharaa elaborated on their discussions about future investment prospects in Syria, aiming to shift perceptions of the country from a security threat to a geopolitical ally.
“It is now looked at as a geopolitical ally. And it’s a place where the United States can have great investments, especially extracting gas,” al-Sharaa remarked.
Al-Sharaa’s visit follows recent U.S. actions to lift sanctions on Syria previously imposed during the Assad regime. His leadership has emerged following the ousting of Bashar Assad last December, and he has expressed the need for a permanent repeal of sanctions that have hindered Syria’s recovery due to allegations of human rights violations.
Although the current sanctions have been waived, a permanent repeal would necessitate congressional approval. Proposals for a complete repeal without conditions have been put forward, yet others aim for conditions to be attached, potentially complicating investments in Syria.
Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, criticized the conditional repeal proposals, stating that they would act as a “hanging shadow that paralyses any initiatives for our country.” Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department confirmed on Monday that the waiver of the Caesar Act sanctions has been extended for another 180 days.