U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader since the end of the Assad era. The visit comes after the United Nations Security Council removed Sharaa from its terrorism sanctions list, following a U.S.-led effort to normalize ties with the new Syrian government.
Once a rebel leader linked to Al Qaeda, Sharaa’s administration has rapidly consolidated power in Syria while pursuing diplomatic engagement abroad. His presence in Washington reflects a dramatic turnaround from just a year ago, when the U.S. had a $10 million bounty on his head.
During the visit, discussions focused on regional security, the ongoing fight against the Islamic State, and Syria’s economic recovery after decades of conflict. Analysts say the move could facilitate U.S.-Syria cooperation in counterterrorism and reconstruction efforts while paving the way for potential easing of U.S. sanctions.
The White House emphasized that Sharaa’s inclusion in international diplomatic circles signals recognition of the current Syrian government’s stability and its commitment to collaborating on global security challenges. The meeting is seen as a milestone in Syria’s reintegration into the international community after years of isolation.
Trump is set to welcome Sharaa in the first-ever visit by a Syrian president to the White House, six months after the pair first met in Saudi Arabia and just days after Washington said the former al Qaeda member was no longer a ‘Specially Designated Global Terrorist’ pic.twitter.com/4zNGdSOma7
— Reuters (@Reuters) November 10, 2025
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