Trump to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Signals Possible Meeting with HTS Chief Jolani
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove all sanctions on Syria following reports that the country's new administration, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is pursuing peace with the Israeli regime.
Trump made the declaration in Riyadh on Tuesday during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.
"Now it is their time to shine. We are taking them all off. Good luck Syria. Show us something very special,” Trump said.
The statement follows reports that Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, leader of HTS, proposed peace with Israel and suggested building a "Trump Tower" in Damascus.
HTS, an extremist group formerly linked to al-Qaeda, seized control of Syria in December after years of armed conflict and amid Israeli airstrikes targeting the country’s infrastructure.
The previous government had maintained an explicitly anti-Israeli stance and faced intensified US sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
Following the takeover, Jolani initiated outreach to Western governments, including France, in what analysts describe as a rebranding effort.
Trump said the sanctions relief aimed to "give them a chance."
When asked whether he would meet Jolani in Riyadh on Thursday, Trump responded, "Yes, I think so."
