Syria will join the international coalition to combat the Islamic State group, marking a shift in US foreign policy in the Middle East, a senior Trump administration official has confirmed.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House— the first such visit from a Syrian leader in the country’s history.
In an interview with Special Report on Fox News, al-Sharaa said the visit was part of a new era in which the country would cooperate with the US.
Trump has expressed his support for al-Sharaa, who until recently was designated a terrorist by the US government.
Syria will now be the 90th country to join the global coalition, which aims to eliminate remnants of the Islamic State and curb the flow of foreign militants to the region.
Following the meeting, a senior administration official confirmed that the US Treasury Department, alongside the state and commerce departments, would announce new measures to lift economic restrictions on Syria, providing compliance clarity for investors.
As part of these measures, the administration will also temporarily suspend the Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions on the former Syrian government. Trump emphasized he wants to see Syria succeed, stating, I think this leader can do it.
Diplomatic relations between Syria and the US have been suspended since 2012, but the US appears ready to allow Syria to re-establish its embassy in Washington.
Al-Sharaa's visit caps a remarkable rebranding for the former jihadist, who led a branch of Al-Qaeda and was once on the US's terrorism watchlist. His recent positioning emphasizes cooperation and rebuilding amidst 13 years of war.
Despite his controversial past, al-Sharaa has vowed to address human rights violations committed by his security forces. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed frequent support for al-Sharaa, citing qualities that suggest potential for reform and stability in Syria.
In June, an executive order signed by Trump lifted some sanctions, enabling potential pathways for stability and peace, whilst monitoring actions towards normalizing relations with Israel and addressing militant operations within Syria.
