U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, in place since 1979 and intensified during the Syrian Civil War. During his Middle East tour, Trump revealed the decision at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, describing the sanctions as historically significant yet now detrimental. The sanctions had frozen Syrian assets, banned petroleum imports, and isolated the country from the global economy. Critics highlight that repealing the sanctions, especially those under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019, will require Congressional approval.
The initiative is seen as a diplomatic boost for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda affiliate leader who rose to power after leading a coalition against Bashar al-Assad in late 2024. Trump’s move has drawn regional and international attention, with suggestions it could undermine Iran’s influence in Syria and potentially shift Russian oil dynamics. Trump urged al-Sharaa to normalize ties with Israel by signing the Abraham Accords and ensure Syria’s cooperation in combating ISIS and foreign terrorism. While experts stress the complexity and gradual nature of the sanctions’ removal, the decision marks a potential turning point for Syria’s reintegration into the global economy and geopolitics.
During his visit to the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a major policy shift by lifting long-standing sanctions on Syria, a country devastated by over a decade of civil war. The decision, made at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marks a significant change in U.S. foreign policy. Trump also secured a historic $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, including an arms deal worth $142 billion, dubbed the largest U.S. defense agreement ever. The deal spans multiple sectors such as defense, energy, and infrastructure, and may eventually reach $1 trillion. Trump’s visit emphasized economic cooperation with Gulf nations, including stops in Qatar and the UAE, and was attended by major U.S. business leaders. While he did not visit Israel, Trump urged Saudi Arabia to normalize ties with the Jewish state. He also expressed willingness to negotiate a new deal with Iran but warned of heightened pressure if Tehran does not change its stance. Notably, Trump avoided addressing the Khashoggi murder controversy, praising bin Salman instead. The trip reflects Trump’s goal of reinforcing regional alliances against Iran and fostering economic partnerships.
During a high-profile diplomatic mission to Riyadh, President Trump endeavored to address four major global crises simultaneously. With $1 trillion in foreign investment as a key motivator, Trump employed a fast-paced and personalized approach to diplomacy, positioning himself as a bold alternative to traditional U.S. foreign policy strategies. In his keynote speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, he articulated a vision for conflict resolution and partnership-building.
Key developments included lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria post-Assad regime, marking an attempt to offer the new Syrian government an opportunity for revival. In a surprise breakthrough, Trump’s envoy secured the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander from Hamas captivity. Trump also advocated for direct Russia-Ukraine talks and expressed readiness to join leaders in Turkey. Additionally, after nuclear negotiations in Oman, he issued an ultimatum to Iran to accept a new nuclear deal or face renewed pressure.
Despite these ambitious efforts, tangible results have yet to materialize, highlighting the gap between Trump’s high confidence in his dealmaking skills and real-world outcomes. His approach reflects a rejection of both interventionist and internationalist doctrines in favor of transactional, “America First” diplomacy.
On Thursday, the foreign ministers of Turkey, the U.S., and Syria will convene in Antalya, Turkey, to discuss the implementation details of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria. This decision, announced at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, marks a significant shift in U.S. policy. The move supports efforts by new allied leadership in Syria, including Islamist President Ahmed al-Sharaa, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad and the end of a 14-year civil war. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized the historic significance of this policy change, stating it would foster financial investment and infrastructure development in war-torn Syria. The meeting will include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani, focusing on finalizing the framework established by their leaders. The lifting of sanctions is expected to reconnect Syria with the global financial system, enhance humanitarian efforts, and stimulate foreign investment and trade. However, Fidan noted that formal congressional and administrative processes in the U.S. still need to be addressed to effectuate the full removal of sanctions.
On May 14, 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary, defended significant staff cuts and budget reductions to the Department of Health and Human Services, including an $18 billion reduction to NIH and $3.6 billion from the CDC, as part of the Trump administration’s budget plan. These moves were met with protests, particularly from AIDS activists, and legal challenges from major labor unions. Kennedy reversed some layoffs at NIOSH but faced criticism for gutting programs related to HIV prevention and health research. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives advanced Trump’s sweeping budget package that includes Medicaid cuts, stricter SNAP work requirements, and a large tax cut favoring higher earners. The bill has drawn heavy criticism for excluding low-income families from child tax credits and for attempts to block AI regulation at the state level. Internationally, Trump’s Middle East visit stirred controversy due to his intention to accept a $400 million luxury jet from Qatar and a surprise decision to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria after meeting its president. Harvard pledged $250 million to support research after federal funding freezes. Further concern arose over civil rights staff resignations at the DOJ and GOP plans to restrict nonprofit tax-exempt status based on political alignment.
During a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a $142 billion arms deal with the nation and delivered a major speech at a U.S.-Saudi investment summit. In his remarks, Trump criticized Western intervention in the Middle East and praised Saudi Arabia for its progress, calling it “a modern miracle the Arabian way.” He also revealed plans to lift broad sanctions on Syria, indicating a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy toward offering the country a pathway to recovery. Additionally, in a move set to impact global economic dynamics profoundly, the United States and China reached a resolution in their prolonged trade war, which had previously disrupted markets and supply chains worldwide. As a unique gesture of hospitality, Saudi Arabia provided a mobile McDonald’s truck for Trump during the state visit. The developments suggest a strategic and economic realignment in U.S. international relations.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman held a phone call with new US President Donald Trump. Prince Mohammed, de facto leader of the world’s biggest oil exporter, made the pledge in a phone call following Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Saudi state media said.
Trump forged close relations with Riyadh in his first term and is now expected to push Saudi Arabia, home of Islam’s holiest sites, towards normalising ties with Israel as a major foreign policy objective.
“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of $600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It did not give details of the source of the funds, which represent more than half of Saudi GDP, or how they are expected to be used.
Prince Mohammed, 39, also passed on congratulations from his father, King Salman, during the call.
The White House said it was Trump’s first phone call with a foreign leader since his return to office.
“The two leaders discussed efforts to bring stability to the Middle East, bolster regional security, and combat terrorism,” a statement said.
“Additionally, they discussed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s international economic ambitions over the next four years as well as trade and other opportunities to increase the mutual prosperity.”
Trump’s first visit as president in 2017 was to Saudi Arabia, and this week he joked that a major financial commitment could persuade him to do the same again.
“I did it with Saudi Arabia last time because they agreed to buy $450 billion worth of our product,” he said.
Trump quipped he would repeat the visit “if Saudi Arabia wanted to buy another 450 or 500 — we’ll up it for all the inflation”.
During Trump’s first term, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco broke with longstanding Arab policy to recognise Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords.
The new Trump administration is expected to try to repeat the process with Saudi Arabia, following similar efforts under president Joe Biden.
Saudi Arabia broke off talks with US officials about ties with Israel early in the Gaza war, and has repeatedly insisted it will not recognise Israel without the existence of a Palestinian state.
