Syrians Rejoice as US Lifts Sanctions, Trump Urges al-Sharaa To Join Abraham Accords
President Trump’s decision sparks nationwide street celebrations and cautious optimism after years of isolation and hardship
[Damascus] US President Donald Trump met Wednesday in Riyadh with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and urged him to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. The meeting, attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and joined virtually by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, marked the first direct engagement between American and Syrian leaders in more than two decades.
You have a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in your country
During the talks, President Trump called on al-Sharaa to expel Palestinian terrorist factions, take control of Islamic State detention centers, and cooperate with the United States to prevent a resurgence of ISIS. “You have a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in your country,” he told al-Sharaa, according to a White House statement.
Al-Sharaa reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel, recognized the benefits of an Iranian withdrawal from Syria, and expressed interest in joint counterterrorism and chemical weapons dismantlement efforts with the United States.
The meeting followed President Trump’s surprise announcement on Tuesday evening at the “Regional Partnership for Stability” conference in Riyadh, where he declared the lifting of American sanctions on Syria. The decision sparked nationwide celebrations across Syrian cities.
Streets Fill with Joy as Celebrations Sweep the Country
At the conclusion of President Trump’s speech, Syrians poured into public spaces. In Damascus’s Umayyad Square, thousands gathered with flags and chants. In Aleppo, fireworks exploded over Saadallah al-Jabiri Square. In Sweida, Homs, and Latakia, motorcades of cars and motorcycles paraded with Syrian flags and images of President Bashar Assad.
Umm Rami, a retired schoolteacher from Aleppo, told The Media Line, “We have waited for this moment for years. I used to tell my children that one day we would rejoice—and now that dream has come true.”
Thousands of Syrians spent the night in the streets, rejoicing over the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, May 13, 2025. (Courtesy)
Ghassan Abu Mahmoud added, “It finally feels like someone in the world cares about Syria. These sanctions were imposed on Assad, but they hurt the Syrian people the most.”
Sanctions and the Caesar Act: Years of Economic Strangulation
Since 2011, the US has imposed a series of economic sanctions on Syria, culminating in the 2020 Caesar Act. The law blocked nearly all foreign engagement with the Syrian government and affiliated institutions, including those involved in reconstruction, finance, and medicine.
Dr. Aref Ali, an economics researcher at Damascus University, said, “The sanctions hurt the people more than the government. Prices of basic goods skyrocketed twentyfold, and purchasing power collapsed. If implemented, this decision could signal the beginning of a slow economic recovery.”
Syrian Leadership Welcomes the Move
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The Syrian Presidency described President Trump’s decision as “a vital opportunity for Syria to pursue stability, self-sufficiency, and meaningful national reconstruction led by and for the Syrian people.” It said Syria is prepared to strengthen ties with the United States based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests.
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also welcomed President Trump’s move. In remarks obtained by The Media Line, he said:
Trump’s announcement marks a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people after years of devastating war
“Trump’s announcement marks a pivotal turning point for the Syrian people after years of devastating war.”
He added, “Syria views this announcement very positively and is prepared to enhance relations with the US on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests.”
Al-Shaibani continued, “Trump has the potential to broker a historic peace agreement and advance American interests in Syria.”
President Trump also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet next week with al-Shaibani to explore next steps. The White House announced that President Trump will also meet Syrian Vice President Farouk al-Sharaa during his visit, with Syrian sources confirming al-Sharaa’s travel plans to Riyadh.
Arab Reactions: Warm Welcome and Diplomatic Optimism
Regional governments welcomed the announcement. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry called it “an important step toward rebuilding Syria and opening new avenues for global economic cooperation.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said, “We congratulate the Syrian state and people on this decision, which offers a chance for revival. It will have a positive impact on Lebanon and the wider region.”
Qatar praised the decision as a path to prosperity for a new Syria and acknowledged Saudi Arabia and Turkey for helping facilitate the development. Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called the move “a crucial step in supporting Syria during a pivotal phase.”
President Trump: ‘It’s Syria’s Time to Shine’
Speaking at the Saudi-American Investment Forum, President Trump said, “Syria has played an important role, but now it’s time to move forward.”
“I will order the lifting of sanctions to give Syria a chance to shine,” he continued. “It’s time. We’re lifting all sanctions. Good luck, Syria—show us something truly special.”
A Changing Political Landscape?
Political analyst Dr. Tarek Kilani told The Media Line, “This decision cannot be separated from regional shifts. We are witnessing a growing Arab-Syrian rapprochement, with Saudi Arabia playing a central role in reshaping the landscape. President Trump’s announcement from Riyadh is no coincidence—it signals that Saudi Arabia may act as a mediator in a new negotiation phase.”
On the Syrian Street: Joy Meets Cautious Optimism
While the nationwide celebrations were intense, not everyone was convinced.
Sawsan, an engineering student from Damascus, said, “We want to celebrate and relax, but we know things are politically complicated. We’re afraid the decision may only be symbolic, without real change.”
Thousands of Syrians spent the night in the streets, rejoicing over the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, May 13, 2025. (Courtesy)
In contrast, Hani, a shopkeeper from Deir ez-Zor, said, “Even if implementation takes time, just lifting the sanctions opens the door to trade and investment. People are exhausted and waiting for a chance to live with dignity.”
A Defining Moment, but a Long Road Ahead
Caught between hope and uncertainty, Syrians find themselves in a moment of transition—one that could bring real relief or become another chapter in a still-unfolding regional struggle.
We deserve to live—even if it comes late
Until the future becomes clearer, many cling to cautious optimism. As one reveler in Umayyad Square put it, “We deserve to live—even if it comes late.”
