- First meeting between a U.S. and Syrian president in 25 years.
- Meeting lasted 33 minutes—longer than anticipated.
- Talks focused on combating ISIL, chemical weapons, and foreign fighters.
- Trump urged deportation of “Palestinian terrorists” and foreign extremists.
- Al-Sharaa acknowledged shared interests with the U.S. post-Iranian withdrawal.
A Landmark Meeting After 25 Years
For the first time in a quarter of a century, the President of the United States met face-to-face with the Syrian head of state. The historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President al-Sharaa marks a pivotal shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy. The encounter, held shortly after the conclusion of the GCC-US summit, lasted 33 minutes—longer than analysts had expected—suggesting more substantial dialogue than anticipated.
Focus on Regional Security
According to a statement released by the White House, President Trump used the meeting to urge Syria’s cooperation in preventing the resurgence of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). He emphasized the need for coordinated counterterrorism efforts in the wake of Iran’s withdrawal from Syrian territory, which has significantly altered the regional security dynamic.
President al-Sharaa agreed with the premise, calling the meeting an “opportunity” to reset relations and reaffirming that Syria shares strategic interests with the United States in combating terrorism and eradicating chemical weapons.
Calls for Action on Extremist Elements
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the meeting came when Trump explicitly called on Syria to deport what he referred to as “Palestinian terrorists” and all other foreign fighters operating within Syrian borders. This request reflects ongoing U.S. concerns about cross-border militancy and the presence of non-Syrian extremist groups that have used Syria as a base of operations.
While the White House statement did not elaborate on Syria’s response to this demand, it noted that al-Sharaa was “receptive” to the discussion and emphasized Syria’s desire to stabilize the country internally and rebuild international relations.
A Possible Roadmap for Future Relations
While the meeting did not result in a formal agreement, analysts see it as a blueprint for a potential thaw in U.S.-Syria relations. The shared goals of counterterrorism, regional stability, and chemical weapons elimination could form the basis of a new working relationship between the two nations—though significant political and ideological differences remain.
Security experts have noted that if Syria follows through on deportations and increases its cooperation with Western counterterrorism efforts, this could open the door to gradual diplomatic normalization. However, human rights concerns and Syria’s historical alliances may continue to pose challenges.
Conclusion
The Trump-al-Sharaa meeting marks a significant moment in modern Middle Eastern diplomacy. While the discussion focused on immediate security concerns—particularly terrorism and foreign militants—it could also represent the first steps toward rebuilding a fractured relationship. In a region long plagued by conflict and mistrust, even a 33-minute meeting can carry long-term implications for peace, policy, and power.
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