Trump Meets With Syrian Leader, Urges Him to Join Abraham Accords

The president announced he had ordered the cessation of U.S. sanctions against Syria, warming diplomatic relations with the country’s de facto new leaders.

Interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa (L) shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump (C) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 14, 2025. At right is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Bandar Aljaloud/Saudi Royal Palace via AP

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia—President Donald Trump held a meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on May 14 in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh. The historic meeting took place after the president announced on May 13 that he would lift sanctions on Syria.

The meeting with the Syrian leader took place before Trump’s scheduled address to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprises six countries in the region: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.