U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the lifting of long-standing sanctions on Syria as part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing tensions between regional powers and reviving diplomatic channels, particularly with Iran. The move is seen as an effort to promote negotiations and ease recent frictions over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“In fact, some of the closest allies of the United States of America are nations we once fought wars against. And now they’re our friends and our allies,” President Trump said during an investment forum in Riyadh.
The President reaffirmed the United States’ firm stance against allowing Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. However, he indicated a willingness to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, potentially in exchange for sanctions relief.
Criticizing President Biden’s Middle East strategy, Trump argued that the modern Middle East has been shaped by its own people rather than by foreign intervention. He stated that he would not follow the path of previous administrations but would instead adopt a more restrained and pragmatic approach.
During the investment summit, Trump announced a $142 billion defense agreement and a $600 billion Saudi investment initiative spanning key sectors such as artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and energy.
While expressing skepticism toward certain U.S. allies, Trump noted that many benefit disproportionately from American military support without providing adequate returns. Nevertheless, he reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to defending its allies and declared that the U.S. would not hesitate to use its power when necessary.
Praising Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump said, “He’s an incredible man. I’ve known him for a long time. There’s no one like him. Thank you very much. Appreciate it, my friend.”
Trump is scheduled to attend a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council on Wednesday morning before heading to Qatar in the afternoon. He is expected to conclude his Middle East tour on Friday with a visit to the United Arab Emirates.
