US Lawmakers Meet Syria’s New President as Sanctions Come Under Review
In a potentially game-changing development, a US congressional delegation recently visited Syria for unofficial talks with the country’s new leadership, marking the first American visit since Bashar Assad’s fall in December. The visit—covered by reporter Rizik Alabi for The Media Line—signals a shift in Washington’s approach to Syria, particularly under the leadership of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Reps. Cory Mills and Marlin Stutzman, along with members of the Syrian American Alliance for Peace and Prosperity (SAAPP), toured war-damaged areas, visited religious sites, and met with local officials. Central to their talks with al-Sharaa was the impact of US sanctions and concerns over Iranian influence in Syria. A Syrian government source described the meeting as characterized by “openness and caution,” suggesting both sides are exploring engagement without rushing into full normalization.
Give the gift of hope
We practice what we preach:
accurate, fearless journalism. But we can't do it alone.
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
- On the ground in Gaza, Syria, Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, and more
- Our program trained more than 100 journalists
- Calling out fake news and reporting real facts
Join us.
Support The Media Line. Save democracy.
Al-Sharaa’s administration is positioning Syria as a moderate, cooperative actor in the region—an image reinforced by outreach to the Arab League and new pledges to respect international norms. Still, debate remains in the US about al-Sharaa’s past ties to Islamist groups.
While no immediate policy changes were announced, the visit indicates growing momentum toward easing humanitarian sanctions and reestablishing communication channels. Mills acknowledged that lifting sanctions would require “significant steps,” but voiced support for a stable, representative Syrian government. Stutzman, moved by scenes in the devastated Jobar neighborhood, said Syria holds “an opportunity for a new relationship.”
The visit’s timing, combined with Trump’s upcoming trip to the region and speculation about a possible meeting with al-Sharaa, suggests that the US is reassessing its strategy. As Rizik Alabi reports, this may be the start of a new chapter in US-Syria relations, one focused on stability and regional reintegration.
