On May 14, 2025, former jihadist Ahmad al-Sharaa – now the interim President of Syria – made groundbreaking peace and trade talks with former US President Donald Trump. Their meetings honed in on crucial topics impacting the area. The summit held in Azerbaijan is a landmark turning point in the history of Syrian-American relations. This is made all the more important as al-Sharaa’s government is reported to be directly negotiating with Israel in order to lower persistent military flareups.
In 2013, the United States also designated Al-Sharaa a terrorist. This branding has profoundly shaped his political career. Despite this designation, Trump’s willingness to meet with al-Sharaa signals a potential thaw in relations between the US and Syria. This historic meeting was attended by Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk, the chief of the Israeli military’s Operations Directorate. His presence underscores Israel’s deep interest in the outcome of these discussions.
In the midst of those negotiations, Trump reportedly pressured al-Sharaa to go further. … normalization of relations with Israel, and the removal of all foreign and Palestinian militants. Trump stressed the need to work with the US to keep ISIS from returning to the region.
Ahmad al-Sharaa articulated his government’s intent to avoid escalating tensions with Israel. He talked about wanting a situation of equilibrium, suggesting, “so things don’t go to a place where it’s an uncontrollable situation on both sides.” His government’s initiative to engage in dialogue with Israel aims to mitigate ongoing attacks on Syrian soil, particularly as Israel has expanded its territorial control since the decline of the Assad regime.
The backdrop of these discussions includes Israel’s strategic military operations in Syria aimed at dismantling militant capabilities and securing its borders. Israel has occupied the Golan Heights since the 1967 war. Its use of military force is intended to guard against further dislocation in areas bordering its northern frontier.
Alongside these diplomatic efforts, the US Treasury recently announced initiatives to support early economic recovery in Syria. The Treasury highlighted that “the necessary authorizations that would be critical to bringing new investment into Syria” are essential for rebuilding efforts. Former Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed this perspective. He hopes that this progress will open the door for the indefinite lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria.
“Treasury’s actions can help rebuild Syria’s economy, financial sector, and infrastructure and could put the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future.” – US Treasury
