US Presses Syria To Normalize With Israel During Riyadh Talks
President Donald Trump’s decision to lift US sanctions on Syria sparked nationwide celebrations and diplomatic ripples across the Middle East, reports Rizik Alabi for The Media Line. The announcement, made Tuesday evening in Riyadh, was followed the next day by a landmark meeting between President Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—marking the first direct talks between leaders of the two countries in over 20 years.
During the meeting, President Trump urged Syria to join the Abraham Accords and normalize ties with Israel. He called on al-Sharaa to expel Palestinian terrorist factions, help manage Islamic State detention centers, and cooperate with the United States on counterterrorism. Al-Sharaa signaled openness to those goals, reaffirming Syria’s 1974 disengagement commitment with Israel and expressing interest in joint efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and reduce Iranian influence.
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Trump’s move to lift sanctions—imposed since 2011 and expanded under the 2020 Caesar Act—was met with street celebrations from Damascus to Aleppo. Syrians danced in public squares, waving flags and sharing a rare sense of hope. While some voiced caution, many viewed the change as a long-overdue shift with potential to restore trade, investment, and daily life.
Arab leaders from Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and Bahrain welcomed the announcement. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani praised Trump’s “pivotal” decision and expressed readiness to deepen ties with Washington. Trump also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with al-Shaibani next week.
To understand the full context of Trump’s outreach to Syria—and what it means for regional alliances—read Rizik Alabi’s full report at The Media Line.
