U.S. to lift sanctions on Syria as Trump offers ‘olive branch’ to Iran

President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were seen clapping during the Saudi-U.S. investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has pledged billions of dollars in deals with the United States in defense and artificial intelligence during Trump’s first state visit of his second term. Trump announced in Saudi Arabia that it is time to end the “brutal and crippling” sanctions that Syrians have endured for the past 14 years. He also warned Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions or face “maximum pressure.” Trump emphasized giving Syria a chance at greatness and urged Iran to choose a better path. He expressed a desire to make a deal with Iran but warned of imposing massive pressure if Iran continues to attack its neighbors. The Trump administration signed new agreements, including military cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The U.S. agreed to end sanctions against Syria at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Erdogan. The U.S. had designated Syria a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 and imposed sanctions on the nation in 2004 and 2011. Sanctions deprived Syria of access to global financial systems during the civil war. The fall of Assad’s regime led to some easing of U.S. sanctions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to meet Syria’s new foreign minister in Turkey. Trump is on a four-day visit to the Middle East, meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa before departing for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates later in the week.