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Trump promises to lift Syria sanctions

Updated May 14, 2025, 9:43am EDT
Middle East
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum.
Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters
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US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he would order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria “to give them a chance at greatness,” a major shift in Washington’s policy toward Damascus.

The announcement — which Trump suggested was influenced by leaders in Turkey and Saudi Arabia — came a day before the US president met with new Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader who helped topple Bashar al-Assad.

Sharaa has been trying to woo Washington, reportedly recently telling a Trump ally that he wants a business deal and a Trump Tower in Damascus.

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Western governments have been reluctant to ease restrictions on Syria before the new leadership meets certain humanitarian and political conditions.

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