In a historic moment, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House, marking the first official visit by a Syrian leader since 1946. The meeting signalled a potential thaw in U.S.-Syria relations, with both sides expressing interest in cooperation on security, trade, and regional stability.

For the first time since Syria’s independence in 1946, a Syrian leader visited Washington, as President Donald Trump hosted President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House. The historic meeting marked a dramatic shift in decades of hostility between the two nations, paving the way for renewed dialogue and cautious optimism about future ties.

The United States lifted a $10 million bounty that had previously been placed on al-Sharaa’s capture, while also easing sanctions on Damascus. The sanctions relief allows the transfer of U.S. civilian goods and technology to Syria, a key gesture toward normalising relations. In return, al-Sharaa declared that Syria is “no longer a threat but a strategic ally of the United States,” signalling a major pivot in his country’s foreign policy stance.

Diplomatic Reset After Decades of Isolation

During their talks, Trump and al-Sharaa reportedly discussed counterterrorism efforts, trade prospects, and the U.S. military presence in Syria. Al-Sharaa acknowledged American troops operating in Syria, calling their presence “justified,” and expressed openness to U.S. investment in reconstruction efforts. He also stated that Syria’s participation in the anti-ISIS coalition would require government approval but indicated a willingness to cooperate.

Despite this diplomatic thaw, al-Sharaa made clear that Damascus would not pursue normalisation with Israel or join the Abraham Accords, emphasising that Syria’s regional strategy would remain independent. Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio said the U.S. expects Syria to take “steps toward regional peace” in exchange for continued sanctions relief.

A Controversial but Symbolic Encounter

Addressing his past links to al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa denied any involvement in the 9/11 attacks, telling Fox News that he was “19 at the time” and had “no authority to make decisions.” Trump described the Syrian leader as “a tough guy from a tough region,” adding that they “get along very well.”

Al-Sharaa, who replaced Bashar al-Assad in a post-war transition, said Syria is entering “a new era of development” and hopes to build “strategic relations” with Washington. The meeting concluded on a lighter note, with Trump presenting al-Sharaa a signature “Make America Great Again” cap as a gift, a symbolic gesture underscoring the unexpected warmth between the two leaders once seen as adversaries.

The visit, while controversial, represents one of the most dramatic shifts in U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle East in decades, suggesting Washington and Damascus may be charting a new path after years of mutual isolation.