President Trump held the first-ever White House meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling a potential thaw in US-Syria relations, discussing economic cooperation, sanctions relief, and regional security issues, including a possible agreement with Israel.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to visit Washington on November 10 and meet President Trump at the White House, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian president and a significant step in rebuilding US-Syria relations, including an expected agreement to join the US-led coalition against ISIS.
The US has confirmed direct contact with the Syrian rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), despite its designation as a terrorist organization, as part of efforts to support a peaceful transition in Syria. This was announced by Secretary of State Antony Blinken during talks in Jordan with representatives from Arab countries, Turkey, and Europe. The discussions emphasized the need for an inclusive Syrian government and the prevention of chaos similar to Libya's post-Gaddafi era. The meeting highlighted regional concerns over Syria's future, with a focus on maintaining existing institutions and preventing terrorism during the transition.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that American officials have been in direct contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Syrian rebel group that recently ousted President Bashar Assad. Despite HTS being designated a foreign terrorist organization, the U.S. is engaging with them to discuss governance during Syria's transition period. Blinken emphasized the U.S. support for the Syrian people's success and highlighted ongoing efforts to locate missing American journalist Austin Tice.