Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) hosted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian head of state to the United States since the country gained independence from France in 1946.
The historic meeting coincided with a major policy announcement — the US Treasury Department confirmed a partial 180-day waiver of the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, aimed at supporting the nation’s post-war reconstruction and economic recovery.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described the meeting as “an honor,” saying that al-Sharaa is “a major advocate of peace in the Middle East.”
“Everyone is talking about the great miracle taking place in the Middle East,” Trump wrote. “Having a stable and successful Syria is very important to all countries in the region.”
According to officials, discussions between Trump and al-Sharaa focused on Syria’s role in combating ISIS, reconstruction plans, and the easing of sanctions. Trump praised al-Sharaa as a “strong leader” capable of steering Syria toward stability.
Al-Sharaa, who led the rebel coalition that overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad, has been seeking to end Syria’s international isolation and rebuild relations with Western nations.
The Treasury Department clarified that the sanctions waiver excludes any transactions involving Russia or Iran, signaling a recalibration of US foreign policy. The move also paves the way for Syria to join the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).
In May, Trump announced that Washington would lift several sanctions on Syria to give the country “a chance at peace and prosperity.” A month later, an executive order was signed to formally ease restrictions and encourage private sector engagement in Syria’s reconstruction.
A joint statement from the State Department, Treasury, and Commerce Departments said that removing sanctions will help Syria “rebuild its economy, ensure prosperity for all its citizens, including ethnic and religious minorities, and strengthen its counterterrorism capabilities.”
While most sanctions under the Caesar Act are now suspended, restrictions remain in place against Bashar al-Assad, human rights violators, drug traffickers, and other destabilizing actors.
“The Caesar Act is suspended, except for sanctionable transactions with Russia and Iran,” the statement read. “Most US-origin civilian-use goods, software, and technology can now be transferred to Syria without a license.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s expectations for continued reform.
“The suspension of Caesar Act sanctions supports Syria’s efforts to rebuild its economy and restore ties with foreign partners,” Rubio said. “President Trump expects the Syrian government to take concrete steps toward peace and prosperity for its people.”
