President Donald Trump announced the end of U.S. sanctions on Syria during remarks at the Saudi-U.S. investment forum in Riyadh, saying it was time to “give them a chance at greatness.” The decision, he said, follows talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and "friends and people he respects in the Middle East."
🚨 @POTUS: "After discussing the situation in Syria with the Crown Prince and also with President Erdogan of Turkey... among others in the Middle East, I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria, in order to give them a chance at greatness." pic.twitter.com/JG3gx3Nn6D
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 13, 2025
This is a significant step towards restoring normal relations after a decade of strained ties. “Sanctions were brutal and served an important purpose at the time,” Trump said, “but now it’s their time to shine. We’re giving them a chance at greatness.” He added that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet with Syria’s new foreign minister in Turkey later this week to discuss the path forward.
The announcement was met with thunderous applause, whistles of support, and a standing ovation from the crowd. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, gestured his thanks to President Trump. Trump, smiling, added, “Oh what I would do for the crown prince,” as the audience cheered and laughed.
