Trump Offered Sanctions Relief if Syria Joins Abraham Accords/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has offered to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria if its new leadership agrees to normalize relations with Israel and join the Abraham Accords. In return, Syria must expel foreign terrorists, manage ISIS detainees, and commit to regional peace. The announcement came during Trump’s Middle East tour, with strong encouragement from Gulf allies.
Syria-Israel Normalization Quick Looks
- Trump meets Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh
- U.S. offers full sanctions relief in exchange for normalization
- Syria urged to join Abraham Accords and recognize Israel
- Trump asks Syria to expel terrorists and control ISIS prisons
- Al-Sharaa’s forces ousted Assad, ending five-decade rule
- Syrian public celebrates end of U.S. sanctions
- Gulf leaders supported Trump’s decision to engage Syria
- Israel reportedly still wary of Syria’s new Islamist leader
- Trump says Saudi Arabia will join Accords “in due time”
- Move reshapes U.S. strategy in post-Assad Syria
Deep Look: Trump Offers Syria Sanctions Relief for Israel Ties, ISIS Crackdown
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA — In a dramatic diplomatic move during his Middle East tour, President Donald Trump offered to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria in exchange for the country’s normalization of relations with Israel and a firm commitment to counterterrorism.
At the heart of the agreement, Trump is urging Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to:
- Join the Abraham Accords and formally recognize Israel
- Expel all foreign terrorists from Syrian territory
- Deport Palestinian extremists with ties to militant factions
- Take custody of ISIS detainees held in northeast Syria
- Prevent a resurgence of ISIS in coordination with U.S. efforts
A Former Militant, Now a U.S. Negotiating Partner
Al-Sharaa, once known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was a former leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which splintered from al-Qaeda in 2016. Despite his controversial past — including a $10 million U.S. bounty — al-Sharaa now leads the post-Assad Syrian government that seized power in late 2024.
“There is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace,” Trump said. “So I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special.”
A Regional Push for Syrian Reintegration
The breakthrough came during Trump’s trilateral meeting in Riyadh with al-Sharaa and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Also present was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to meet Syrian counterparts in Turkey later this week.
Trump revealed that both bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had encouraged him to lift sanctions, seeing Syria as a strategic opportunity to curb Iran’s influence and stabilize the region.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump joked.
Israeli Concerns Still Loom
While Trump pushes Syria toward the Abraham Accords, Israel remains uneasy. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged support for Trump’s approach but warned that Israeli officials remain deeply concerned about Syria’s future and al-Sharaa’s militant past.
“Israel is still extremely concerned about the state of play in Syria,” Graham said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously asked Trump not to lift sanctions, fearing that Syria’s new leadership could become a threat on Israel’s northern border.
Terrorism and Security Demands
Trump emphasized that any normalization deal must come with real counterterrorism commitments. That includes Syria taking control of 10,000 imprisoned ISIS fighters, currently detained by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces in northeastern Syria.
The U.S. still maintains about 1,400 troops in Syria, focused on containing ISIS remnants. Trump’s plan would shift that responsibility toward the new Syrian government.
Syrian Public Celebrates
Following Trump’s announcement, scenes of celebration erupted across Damascus, with residents waving flags, honking horns, and setting off fireworks. For a nation long cut off from global financial systems and aid, the prospect of rejoining the international community was met with hope.
