Trump announces Syria sanctions lifted, pledges “new chapter”

Published May 13th, 2025 - 04:36 GMT
Trump lifts sanctions on Syria
US President Donald Trump speaks during the Saudi-US investment forum at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center in Riyadh on May 13, 2025. AFP
Highlights
Describing the sanctions as “brutal and crippling,” Trump stated, “It’s time for Syria to rise up. The Syrian people have endured extreme misery and death.

ALBAWABA– Speaking at the Saudi-U.S. Economic Forum in Riyadh, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration has decided to lift sanctions on Syria, following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Describing the sanctions as “brutal and crippling,” Trump stated, “It’s time for Syria to rise up. The Syrian people have endured extreme misery and death.

 They deserve a chance to rebuild.” He added that lifting the sanctions marks the first step toward normalizing relations between Washington and Damascus.

Trump revealed that the U.S. Secretary of State will soon meet his Syrian counterpart in Turkey as part of a broader diplomatic initiative.

 “We seek peaceful engagement and extend a hand of friendship to the entire world,” he said. “My administration is committed to pursuing peace and stability in the region.”

The announcement drew international attention, with the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General welcoming the decision as a positive move toward restoring peace and stability in war-torn Syria.

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