
Trump announces plan to lift punishing sanctions on Syria
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
CNN — President
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he plans to lift sanctions on Syria following last year's fall of the Assad regime, saying the move will 'give them a chance at greatness.'
The removal of the sanctions is a significant win for the Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who seized power after the stunning defeat of the Assad regime in December. It is likely to be seen as a blow by the Israeli government, which escalated military and territorial advancements in Syria in the wake of the Assad collapse.
Trump said in remarks to a Saudi investment forum in Riyadh that he made the decision after discussing with it Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
'Syria, they've had their share of travesty, war, killing in many years. That's why my administration has already taken the first steps toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria for the first time in more than a decade,' he said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Syria's foreign minister in Turkey 'later this week,' Trump said.
After decades of brutal rule, the Assad regime fell during the Biden administration in December, and Syria's new leaders have hoped Trump would consider lifting the punishing sanctions on the country.
'The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it's their time to shine,' Trump said. 'So, I say, 'Good luck, Syria.' Show us something very special.'
Trump expressed hope that Syria's new government 'will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country in keeping peace.'
New Syrian President al-Sharaa previously founded a militant group known as Jabhat al-Nusra, or 'the Victory Front' in English, which pledged allegiance to al Qaeda. But in 2016, he broke away from the terror group, according to the US Center for Naval Analyses.
Trump met with Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday for a little over half hour — the highest-level engagement to date between the new Syrian government and the Trump administration. The US has not formally reestablished diplomatic ties or recognized the new government, but sources say there has been lower-level engagement.
Syria's foreign minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, welcomed the news of the US sanctions relief.
'We see the lifting of sanctions as a new beginning on the path to reconstruction,' he posted to X. 'Thanks to the stances of our Arab brothers — foremost among them Saudi Arabia — we are opening a new chapter toward a future worthy of the Syrian people and their history.'
The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, also welcomed the announcement, saying the lifting of sanctions is imperative to allow the delivery of essential services like health care and education and to revive the economy.
The US move comes after the United Kingdom and European Union lifted some, but not all, of their sanctions on Syria earlier this year.
On Capitol Hill, the top senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — Republican Jim Risch and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen — had encouraged the move before Trump's trip. Shaheen said in a statement Tuesday she is 'encouraged by the President's announcement to move expeditiously and am in touch with the State Department and NSC to make sure this long-awaited window of opportunity does not close for Syria.'
Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, offered a more reserved response.
'I am very inclined to support sanctions relief for Syria under the right conditions. However, we must remember that the current leadership in Syria achieved its position through force of arms, not through the will of its people,' the South Carolina lawmaker said.
Graham, who said in a press release he had just arrived in Turkey, noted he has 'been in close contact with Israel, as they are extremely concerned about the state of play in Syria.'
'During this trip, I will be discussing this matter with our allies in Turkey and will maintain extremely close coordination with our allies in Israel so that we can fully understand the implications of sanctions waivers,' he said.
Syrians take to the streets to celebrate
Meanwhile, social media videos showed jubilant crowds in the main square of the city of Homs. People were seen wielding Syrian and Saudi Arabian flags as the crowd chanted: 'Hail Saudi Arabia, hail Saudi Arabia! Hail Salman, hail Salman!' in apparent reference to the Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Another video from the city showed large crowds gathered outside as fireworks lit up the night sky overhead.
'As a revolutionary Syrian, our ultimate goal is to rebuild our country,' said Osaid Basha, who was celebrating in Homs.
He thanked the US and said Trump's announcement 'marks the first step toward recovery, and toward restoring Syria to its former state — or even better.'
'One of the key objectives of the revolution — toppling the regime — has already been achieved,' he told CNN. 'Now, the focus must be on moving the country forward.'
A video from the city of Latakia showed cars and motorcycles driving down the street, honking their horns as their passengers waved Syrian flags.
The country's economy and trade minister, Mohammad Nidal al-Shaar, shed tears live on air with Saudi outlet Al Arabiya, as he underscored that Syria is 'now entering a new phase.'
'Syria's revival is about to begin. We are heading toward an economic renaissance, now that the international community has reopened its doors to us,' he said tearfully, stressing that the country's new government and investors are ready.
'The Syrian people will soon enjoy an unprecedented level of relief and comfort,' he cried.
Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Middle East Program, told CNN that in addition to the announcement marking a win for Sharaa, it is also a win for the Saudi crown prince.
'(Trump) is saying this publicly to maybe reassure others that they have the tacit approval to give Syria a better opportunity, a shot, and so the optics of that are quite a big deal,' Hall said. 'Now if that is also met with some kind of public meeting between al-Sharaa and Trump, or even a secret meeting, this means that the United States is clearly taking steps in a direction to give Syria a chance to rebuild.'
Sharaa told Al Arabiya he expects the impact of the sanctions being lifted to begin as soon as the country is reinstated into SWIFT, a messaging service that connects financial institutions around the world.
'Funds will start flowing in, initially from Syrians abroad, followed by supportive countries. The wheels of the economy will start turning, and trade and investment promises will begin to materialize, as the landscape is now open for investment,' he said. The minister said the 'path is now clear' for anyone who wants to invest in Syria and that this would, in turn, provide some financial relief to the country's citizens.
This story has been updated with additional details.
CORRECTION: This story has been corrected to reflect that crowds celebrating the US lifting of sanctions against Syria were cheering the Saudi king.
CNN's Eyad Kourdi and Mostafa Salem contributed to this report.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Egypt Today
an hour ago
- Egypt Today
Foreign ministry stresses need to comply with Gaza border visit regulations
CAIRO – 11 June 2025: Egypt stressed on Wednesday the necessity of obtaining prior approvals for foreign delegations to conduct visits to the border areas adjacent to Gaza, especially Arish City and Rafah border crossing. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates affirmed that Egypt continues to work at all levels to end the aggression on Gaza and to bring an end to the humanitarian catastrophe impacting more than two million Palestinians. The statement explained that the only acceptable way for Egyptian authorities to consider these requests is by adhering to the regulatory framework and procedures established since the start of the war on Gaza, according to the statement. This includes submitting official requests to Egyptian embassies abroad, or through requests submitted by foreign embassies in Cairo or representatives of organizations to the foreign ministry, it said. Numerous visits have already been arranged for foreign delegations either representing governmental bodies or non-governmental human rights organizations, the ministry said. 'Egypt underlines the importance of adhering to these established regulations to ensure the safety of visiting delegations given the sensitive and volatile nature of the border area since the beginning of the Gaza crisis.' 'In this regard, Egypt reaffirms that no requests will be considered nor any invitations will be responded to if they fall outside the approved regulatory framework and established mechanisms,' the statement said. 'Egypt also underlines the importance that all foreign nationals must comply with Egyptian laws and entry regulations, including obtaining the necessary visas or pre-approved permits. The statement added that Egypt has welcomed the official and popular international and regional stances supporting Palestinian rights and rejecting the blockade, starvation tactics, and systematic and flagrant Israeli violations against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. 'Finally, Egypt reiterates its unwavering stance in support of the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and its rejection of Israel's blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law. 'It further stresses the importance of exerting pressure on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and to allow humanitarian access through all Israeli-controlled crossings with the Strip.


See - Sada Elbalad
4 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Egypt Highlights Path to Sustainable Peace in Africa at Oslo Forum
Taarek Refaat Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdel Ati participated on Wednesday in a high-level session on achieving peace in Africa, held as part of the annual Oslo Forum, a key platform for international dialogue on conflict mediation and peacebuilding. During the session, Abdel Ati underscored Egypt's central role in promoting security and stability across the African continent, reaffirming Cairo's long-standing commitment to supporting the African Union (AU) as the principal framework for advancing peace and development in African states. Addressing an audience of diplomats, mediators, and policymakers, the minister discussed the complex, interlinked challenges facing Africa — including conflict, poverty, and underdevelopment. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that incorporates social, economic, and developmental strategies to build lasting peace. 'African solutions must be holistic,' he said, 'integrating the economic drivers of conflict with long-term development planning, and grounded in the realities of each country.' Abdel Ati also highlighted the continent's significant potential, citing its dynamic youth population and expansive investment opportunities, particularly in infrastructure. He called for greater international cooperation to harness these assets in ways that promote sustainable growth and integration across African nations. In his concluding remarks, the minister stressed that while short-term interventions are important, Africa requires a long-term vision rooted in African leadership, equitable global partnerships, and development strategies that align with the continent's unique needs and aspirations. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean


Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
US police make arrests in downtown LA during nighttime curfew - International
Downtown Los Angeles was largely calm overnight into Wednesday, with police arresting at least 25 people for violating a curfew after a fifth day of protests against President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Heavily armed security officers, including several riding horses, patrolled near government buildings, while men boarded up storefronts after dark on Tuesday to protect against vandalism. Looting and vandalism in the second-biggest US city have marred the largely peaceful protests over ramped-up arrests by immigration authorities. The demonstrations, which began Friday, and isolated acts of violence prompted Trump to take the extraordinary step of sending in troops, over the objection of the state governor. One protester told AFP the arrest of migrants in a city with large immigrant and Latino populations was the root of the unrest. "I don't think that part of the problem is the peaceful protests. It's whatever else is happening on the other side that is inciting violence," she said Tuesday. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the curfew -- meant to stop vandalism and looting -- was in effect within one square mile (2.5 square kilometres) of the city's more-than-500 square mile area from 8:00 pm and 6:00 am (0300 to 1300 GMT). That zone was off-limits for everyone apart from residents, journalists and emergency services, she added. Protests against immigration arrests by federal law enforcement have also sprung up in cities around the country, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco and Austin. On Tuesday, in the Atlanta suburb of Brookhaven, dozens of demonstrators waved American and Mexican flags and held signs against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the federal agency that has ramped up arrests and deportations of migrants under Trump. "You got people that are being arrested on the street by (immigration) agents that don't wear badges, wear masks... it makes me really angry," 26-year-old protester Brendon Terra told AFP. Breaking curfew The Los Angeles protests again turned ugly Tuesday night, but an hour into the curfew, only a handful of protesters were left downtown, with police making several arrests as they warned stragglers to leave. "Multiple groups continue to congregate" within the designated downtown curfew area, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) wrote on X late Tuesday. "Those groups are being addressed, and mass arrests are being initiated." Police arrested at least 25 people on suspicion of violating the curfew as of Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing an LAPD spokesperson. At their largest, the protests have included a few thousand people taking to the streets, but smaller groups have used the cover of darkness to set fires, daub graffiti, and smash windows. Overnight Monday, 23 businesses were looted, police said, adding that more than 500 people had been arrested over recent days. 'Provide protection' Trump has activated 4,000 National Guard troops in Los Angeles, along with 700 active-duty Marines, in what he has claimed is a necessary escalation to take back control, even though local law enforcement authorities insisted they could handle the unrest. A military spokeswoman said the Marines were expected to be on the streets by Wednesday. Their mission will be to guard federal facilities and provide protection to federal officers during immigration enforcement operations. The Pentagon said the deployment would cost US taxpayers $134 million. Photographs issued by the Marine Corps showed men in combat fatigues using riot shields to practice crowd control techniques at the Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. Late Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his state would deploy its National Guard "to locations across the state to ensure peace & order" after solidarity protests. Behaving like 'a tyrant' In sprawling Los Angeles on Tuesday, it was largely a typical day, with tourists thronging Hollywood Boulevard, children attending school and commuter traffic choking streets. But at a military base in North Carolina, Trump painted a darker picture. "What you're witnessing in California is a full-blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty," the Republican told troops at Fort Bragg. "We will not allow an American city to be invaded and conquered by a foreign enemy." California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat who has clashed with the president before, said Trump's shock militarisation of the city was the behaviour of "a tyrant, not a president." In a filing to the US District Court in Northern California, Newsom asked for an injunction preventing the use of troops for policing. US law largely prevents the use of the military as a police force -- absent the declaration of an insurrection, which Trump has mused. The president "is trying to use emergency declarations to justify bringing in first the National Guard and then mobilising Marines," said law professor Frank Bowman. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link: