President Donald Trump hosted Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, following the formal lifting of long-standing U.S. sanctions against the country. The visit signals a major policy reversal for Washington, which had designated Syria a state sponsor of terrorism for over four decades. The decision to lift sanctions was announced last week after months of backchannel negotiations involving Saudi Arabia and Turkey, both key regional players in Syria’s post-Assad transition.

Al-Sharaa, previously linked to al-Qaeda affiliates and subject to a $10 million U.S. bounty, assumed interim leadership in January after rebel forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. His appointment came amid a swift collapse of the Assad regime, ending more than fifty years of Ba’athist rule. Once the commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist coalition rooted in Syria’s opposition, al-Sharaa has publicly distanced himself from extremist ideology, pledging a technocratic and inclusive government.

The two leaders first met in May during a regional summit in Saudi Arabia. Monday’s engagement marks the first official visit by a Syrian head of state to the White House since Syria gained independence from France in 1946, underscoring the diplomatic breakthrough. The meeting included discussions on security cooperation, counterterrorism frameworks, and the return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries.

Also Read: BBC Chairman Samir Shah Apologises for 'Error of Judgement' in Trump Documentary Edit

Al-Sharaa’s primary objective is securing a permanent repeal of sanctions imposed due to documented human rights violations under the Assad government, including chemical weapon attacks and mass civilian detentions. The Trump administration has indicated willingness to support Syria’s reintegration into the international community, contingent on verifiable reforms, judicial accountability, and the dismantling of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles.

In a separate development, the administration returned to the Supreme Court on the same day to maintain a freeze on full SNAP benefit payments during the ongoing federal government shutdown, affecting food assistance for 42 million low-income Americans. The legal filing argues that emergency funding protocols do not require full disbursement during partial government closures, a position that has drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and anti-poverty advocates.

International reactions to the Trump–al-Sharaa meeting have been mixed. European Union officials expressed cautious optimism but emphasized the need for transparent elections and minority protections. Russia, a former Assad ally, issued a restrained statement acknowledging the new Syrian leadership while reserving judgment on long-term stability. Meanwhile, Israel has maintained close coordination with Washington, reportedly securing assurances that Syrian territory will not be used to threaten its northern border.

Also Read: Trump Team Explains How Tariff Dividends will Reach Americans' Pockets