Syria's Sharaa arrives in US for Trump talks after sanctions lifted

November 9, 2025

Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa, a former Islamist militant leader previously known as Muhammad al-Jawlani, has traveled to Washington for an official White House meeting with President Trump, occurring shortly after the United States removed his terrorist designation. This diplomatic engagement represents a significant shift in U.S.-Syria relations, coming less than a year after Sharaa's rebel coalition successfully overthrew the Assad government. The visit coincides with broader international efforts to reintegrate Syria into global affairs through lifting sanctions and security cooperation, particularly regarding Islamic State threats.

Who is affected

Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa (formerly Muhammad al-Jawlani)
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab
71 suspected Islamic State group members who were arrested
Members of Syria's Alawite minority
Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters and Druze militias
The Syrian population affected by decades of isolation and civil war
International community and UN Security Council members

What action is being taken

Sharaa is meeting with President Trump at the White House
Syrian security services have detained dozens of suspected Islamic State members
The UN Security Council is backing a US resolution to lift sanctions
Washington is continuing a months-long process of gradually easing sanctions on Syria
Joint efforts to tackle Islamic State remnants are being discussed

Why it matters

This visit marks a dramatic transformation in U.S.-Syria relations and Syria's international standing after decades of isolation under Assad and years of civil war. The removal of terrorist designations and lifting of sanctions signals potential normalization of diplomatic relations and could facilitate Syria's reintegration into the global community. The cooperation on counterterrorism efforts addresses ongoing security threats from Islamic State remnants. However, the situation remains significant due to ongoing domestic tensions between various ethnic and religious groups, which could threaten the stability Sharaa's government seeks to establish.

What's next

Joint efforts between the US and Syria to tackle Islamic State remnants are expected to be pursued following discussions during Sharaa's visit with Trump. Syria continues working to reestablish its presence on the world stage and seeking further removal of international sanctions.

Read full article from source: BBC