Trump’s Shock Syria Sanctions Lift Sparks Global Ripple Effect and Internal U.S. Scramble
In a stunning twist that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics, President Donald Trump surprised the world and much of his own administration by announcing the immediate lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria during his trip to Saudi Arabia this week.
Standing alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Trump looked into the crowd, pointed to his host, and declared: “What I do for the crown prince… Now it’s Syria’s time to shine.”
That single statement marked a seismic policy shift and sent shockwaves through Washington, where officials scrambled to implement a decision many had no idea was coming.
A President’s Gamble
Trump’s announcement came after months of backchannel diplomacy with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa a former jihadist commander turned interim president who ousted Bashar al-Assad’s long-reigning regime in December 2024.
Sources familiar with internal discussions insist the idea of loosening sanctions wasn’t new. Quiet engagement had been underway, but Trump’s declaration of full sanctions relief was well beyond what was expected.
“This wasn’t off-the-cuff, but it sure wasn’t coordinated,” said one official involved in policy talks.
From Civil War to International Spotlight
Al-Sharaa’s rise to power would have seemed impossible a year ago. But after leading a coalition that toppled Assad, the once-feared militant emerged as Syria’s transitional figure, now aiming to rebuild a nation scarred by more than a decade of war.
Despite his past, the U.S. began cautious diplomacy meeting al-Sharaa’s ministers in Paris, New York, and Washington. According to insiders, Syria pledged cooperation on counterterrorism and dismantling chemical weapons, which laid the groundwork for Trump’s bold move.
Waivers, Warnings, and Whiplash
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped in 24 hours after Trump’s announcement to offer a practical path forward: the U.S. Treasury would issue broad sanctions waivers, particularly for economic sectors vital to reconstruction.
“We’re not ready to repeal the law just yet,” Rubio said, “but we’re opening the doors—carefully.”
The Treasury Department is expected to issue general licenses soon, enabling American goods and investment to flow into Syria for the first time in years.
But while the White House races to operationalize this shift, some officials remain wary.
Sebastian Gorka, Trump’s counterterrorism chief, reportedly warned: “Once a jihadi, always a jihadi.” Though he called the move “genius,” he emphasized strict accountability for Syria’s leadership.
Ignoring Israel, Embracing Arabia
One glaring detail: Trump didn’t consult Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had personally urged Trump not to lift sanctions, citing fears of empowering terrorist groups.
Trump’s response? “I didn’t ask.”
Instead, he credited the support of Saudi Arabia and Turkey for shaping his decision. Crown Prince bin Salman and Turkish President Erdogan were both involved in the talks bin Salman in person, Erdogan virtually. Both backed Syria’s reintegration and assured Trump that it would stabilize the region.
The moment symbolized a broader realignment: Trump appears to be betting on Arab cooperation to reshape Syria, even if it means distancing from traditional allies.
Behind-the-Scenes Engagements
Unknown to most Americans, Syrian officials had been quietly working the diplomatic circuit. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met with U.S. counterparts in April during IMF meetings, following earlier contacts in Paris.
Even think tank leaders, like Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, were approached by Syrian representatives. The message? “We’re not Assad’s Syria anymore.”
Still, the State Department advised Congress against premature visits to Syria, advocating a measured approach—one Trump ultimately leapfrogged.
Tensions and Assassination Rumors
Not everyone in Washington is thrilled. During a Senate hearing this week, questions emerged about rumored plots to assassinate al-Sharaa. Senator Jeanne Shaheen cited concerns from Jordan’s King Abdullah, who warned that such a move could reignite civil war.
Rayburn, Trump’s former Syria envoy and now nominee for Middle East affairs, denied knowledge of any such plans but admitted the administration is walking a delicate line.
What Comes Next?
The path forward is far from clear. Trump’s team insists al-Sharaa is committed to building an inclusive government, pursuing peace with Israel, and eradicating terrorist threats. Rubio stressed that this relationship is still in its infancy.
“This is a historic opportunity,” he said. “We’ve known them for 24 hours. Now the real test begins.”
Back in Syria, thousands flooded the streets in celebration, waving Saudi and Syrian flags. But skepticism lingers.
The world is watching to see whether Trump’s daring diplomacy will usher in a new era for Syria or whether the shadows of the past will return.
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Trump’s Shock Syria Sanctions Lift Sparks Global Ripple Effect and Internal U.S. Scramble