Trump presses Syria's al-Sharaa on normalization with 'Israel'
3 Min Read
The Trump-al-Sharaa meeting highlights shifting alliances in the Middle East as the US, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey seek new terms for Syria.
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In this photo released by the Saudi Royal Palace, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, left, shakes hands with President Donald Trump, center, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. At right is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (AP)
In a dramatic diplomatic development, US President Donald Trump hosted an unexpected meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participating via phone. The talks mark a diplomatic turning point in US-Syria relations and a broader reshaping of the geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
The White House confirmed the meeting in a statement by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, posted on X, in which Trump hailed the gathering as a “historic opportunity” for peace and reconstruction in Syria.
Today, President Trump, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. President Erdogan of Turkey joined by phone. President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi… pic.twitter.com/0yhyZbQ1o0
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) May 14, 2025
Erdogan, addressing the meeting remotely, praised Trump’s recent decision to lift US sanctions on Syria, an unprecedented move that diverged sharply from the policies of previous US administrations. Erdogan pledged Turkish cooperation with Saudi Arabia in promoting stability and rebuilding efforts in Syria.
On his part, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed Erdogan’s endorsement, describing Trump’s decision to ease sanctions as “courageous” and expressing optimism about Syria’s reintegration into the regional diplomatic fold.
“With the support of leaders in this room, we are currently exploring normalizing relations with Syrias new government—beginning with my meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa” pic.twitter.com/SgFIBrWQbe
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 14, 2025
Five-point US proposal to Syria
According to the White House readout, Trump presented a five-point proposal to Syria's transitional president, outlining US expectations for normalization:
- Join the normalization accords and normalize ties with “Israel”
- Expel all "foreign terrorist elements" from Syrian territory
- Deport "Palestinian militants" residing in Syria
- Cooperate with the US in countering a potential ISIS resurgence
- Assume full control of ISIS detention centers in northeastern Syria
In response, al-Sharaa welcomed the diplomatic overture and acknowledged the significance of the meeting. He highlighted what he described as a “significant opportunity” arising from what he perceives as "Iran’s diminishing influence in Syria", signaling a potential strategic shift in Damascus’s alliances.
Al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement with “Israel” and expressed willingness to cooperate with the US on "counterterrorism" and the dismantling of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.
He also invited US firms to invest in Syria’s oil and gas sectors, portraying Syria as a potential “critical link” in global trade routes between East and West.
Trump is currently on a four-day Middle East tour aimed at securing trillions in investments for the US, which includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
Read next: From Riyadh, Trump to lift Syria sanctions, warns Iran, eyes Gaza deal
