Trump asks Syria to normalize ties with Israel

In a stunning diplomatic turn, Donald Trump lifts Syria sanctions while calling for a normalization of ties between Damascus and Israel — a dramatic pivot in Middle East politics that marks his most audacious outreach yet to the war-torn country.

Meeting Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, Trump backed the country’s return to global diplomacy. In return, Sharaa, a former jihadist commander now leading Syria’s post-Assad government, hinted at potential inclusion in the Abraham Accords — a historic set of agreements normalizing ties between Israel and several Arab nations.

This development, coming just as Trump announced the complete removal of U.S. sanctions on Syria, stunned international observers. “He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said of Sharaa, calling the meeting “great” and “hopeful.” Trump’s lifting of Syria sanctions was trending globally within hours of the announcement, igniting debate from Tel Aviv to Tehran. However, his asking a Muslim state to normalize ties with Israel is something many are yet to digest.

Big Business in the Gulf, But to Normalize Ties with Israel Remains Questionable

Trump’s whirlwind Middle East tour also included a high-stakes stop in Qatar, where he oversaw a $1.2 trillion series of trade deals, headlined by a Boeing aircraft and engine sale. But behind the business headlines lies controversy: Qatar has reportedly offered a luxury Boeing jet to serve as the next Air Force One, a gift that’s sparked a firestorm in Washington over ethics and national security.

Critics are raising alarms over the overlap between Trump’s public role and his private business ventures, especially as his real estate empire expands in the Gulf region. Trump, however, brushed aside concerns, saying it would be “stupid” to decline such a valuable aircraft.

Qatar, which once faced isolation from its Arab neighbors, appears to be hedging bets on Trump’s return to long-term influence. The country already hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region and now plays an increasingly central role in U.S. diplomacy.

While Trump champions peace through economic engagement, not all allies are convinced. Israel remains wary, particularly over the lifting of Syria sanctions. Israeli officials still view Sharaa with deep suspicion, citing his militant past despite his renunciation of al Qaeda.