Syrian President Meets Donald Trump

White House in Historic Shift Toward the West / Photo File (@europa)

In a landmark moment for Middle Eastern diplomacy, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian head of state to Washington. The meeting represents a dramatic turn for Sharaa — a former rebel commander who, just a year ago, led the uprising that ended Bashar al-Assad’s decades-long rule.

The visit caps a year of sweeping geopolitical realignment for Syria, as the country moves away from its former allies Iran and Russia and strengthens ties with Turkey, the Gulf states, and the United States.

President Trump personally invited Sharaa after their initial meeting six months ago in Saudi Arabia, a moment that symbolized a thaw in relations between Damascus and Washington. The visit also follows the U.S. government’s recent decision to remove Sharaa from its “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” list, signaling Washington’s readiness to engage with his administration.

According to White House officials, security cooperation and regional stabilization were the primary focus of discussions. The U.S. is reportedly mediating talks between Syria and Israel to establish a potential security pact, while Reuters reported plans for a limited U.S. military presence at a Damascus airbase as part of ongoing counterterrorism coordination.

Another key agenda item is Syria’s anticipated entry into a U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State (ISIS) — a move that could be formally announced following the meeting.

Observers describe the talks as a pivotal step in Syria’s reintegration into the global diplomatic arena, a process that would have seemed unimaginable under Assad’s former regime. Analysts say Sharaa’s willingness to engage with the West reflects his strategy to rebuild Syria’s economy and legitimacy after years of war and isolation.