Trump's big announcement: Will lift all sanctions on Syria, $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia also confirmed

Riyadh: US President Donald Trump announced at an investment conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that he will lift all sanctions on Syria. This decision has been taken to give Syria, devastated by 14 years of civil war and dictatorship, a "chance for greatness". Trump also confirmed that he will meet Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Shara in Riyadh. Along with this, Trump announced a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, which could change the geopolitical equations in the Middle East. Let's look at the facts and implications of this historic move.

Trump's announcement: New chance for Syria

At the Saudi-US Investment Forum held in Riyadh on May 13, 2025, Trump said, "I will order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria so that they get a chance for greatness. Now is their time to shine. Good luck, Syria, show us something special." After this announcement, the audience stood up and applauded. Trump took the step at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who had demanded the lifting of sanctions to rebuild Syria.

US sanctions on Syria have been in place since 1979, when it was declared a state sponsor of terrorism. Further sanctions were imposed against the Bashar al-Assad regime in 2004 and 2011, which crippled Syria's economy. After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had demanded the lifting of sanctions so that the country could rebuild.

Meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa

Trump met Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on May 14, the first meeting between a US and Syrian leader since 2000. Sharaa, who was previously associated with al-Qaeda and on whom the US had placed a $10 million bounty on his head, ousted Assad from power in December 2024. According to the White House, the meeting lasted about 30 minutes and included the Saudi Crown Prince and Turkish President Erdogan (via phone).

Trump advised Shara to expel foreign terrorists from Syria, take action against ISIS, and join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani described the decision as a "new starting point towards reconstruction."

What does it mean for Syria?

The lifting of sanctions will allow Syria to rejoin the global financial system. This will boost humanitarian organizations, foreign investment, and trade. UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the move, saying it was necessary to regenerate health, education, and the economy. People took to the streets in Damascus, waving Syrian and Saudi flags, and setting off fireworks. One local resident, Osaid Basha, said, "This is the first step to reconstruction."

Saudi Arabia's role and arms deal

Trump also announced a $142 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, including AIM-120C-8 missiles, technical assistance and training. The Saudi Crown Prince promised a $600 billion investment in the US over the next four years, which Trump sought to increase to $1 trillion. The deal will help Saudi Arabia counter Houthi rebels and Iran's influence in Yemen.

Israel's concerns

Israel has expressed concern over the decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Shara as a "jihadist" and called him a threat to his government. Israel has intensified air strikes in Syria since December 2024 and has occupied territory near the Golan Heights. Trump's move is being seen as a setback for Israel, especially because he did not include a visit to Israel in his Middle East tour.

Controversies and criticisms

Some US lawmakers and experts have questioned Trump's decision. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said congressional approval was necessary before lifting the sanctions. Analysts believe that this step was taken without any conditions, which can reduce the pressure of America on the new government of Syria.

Conclusion

Trump's decision to lift sanctions from Syria and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia is part of America's new diplomacy in the Middle East. This step can give Syria a chance for economic regeneration, but there is also a risk of increasing tension with Israel and Iran. Will Syria be able to take advantage of this opportunity? Time will tell.