Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington, Reuters reported.
The meeting came as the United States announced it would extend a partial suspension of its sanctions on Syria for another 180 days.
According to the US Treasury Department, the renewed waiver under the Caesar Sanctions Act “indicates our commitment to continued sanctions relief for Syria.” However, the department said restrictions would remain in place on “transactions involving the governments of Russia and Iran” and on the transfer of goods or services of Russian or Iranian origin.
Sharaa, 43, took power in December last year after his forces ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. His visit to Washington follows his earlier meeting with Trump in Saudi Arabia, where the US leader announced plans to ease some sanctions.
Syria has since moved away from its traditional allies, Iran and Russia, and towards improving ties with Turkey, Gulf states, and now the United States.
Reuters reported that Sharaa’s arrival was kept low-profile, with little of the ceremony usually afforded to visiting leaders. He entered through a side entrance instead of the main West Wing door, and reporters were not allowed into the Oval Office during the meeting.
The White House did not explain the understated welcome.
Trump, has praised Sharaa’s leadership and backed Syria’s efforts to rebuild ties with the West.
While many US sanctions have already been eased, the 2019 Caesar Act the toughest set of measures remains in force. Lifting those fully would require approval from Congress.
A senior US official told Reuters the administration “would fully support” repealing the Caesar sanctions through legislative action.
Security issues were expected to be high on the agenda, with the US working to broker a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel.
Reuters also reported that Washington is considering establishing a small military presence at a Damascus airbase as part of a broader cooperation effort.
Syria is expected to join a US-led coalition against Islamic State, with a formal announcement anticipated following the White House talks.
Hours before the meeting, Syrian and regional officials told Reuters that authorities had foiled two assassination plots against Sharaa planned by Islamic State operatives.
The Syrian interior ministry said it had launched a nationwide campaign over the weekend against IS cells, arresting more than 70 suspects.
The Trump administration has framed its approach as helping Syria through a “fragile transition” after years of civil conflict. Sharaa’s visit is being seen as a sign of Washington’s growing engagement with Damascus after more than a decade of isolation.
