Trump Ends Syria Sanctions, Secures $600 Billion Saudi Investment
Former US President Donald Trump began his Gulf visit with a bold announcement: the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria. This decision, combined with a $600 billion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia and a major arms deal, marks a significant policy shift.
Syria Sanctions Lifted Amid Arms Agreement
The decision to lift sanctions on Syria came as Trump attended an investment forum in Riyadh. Speaking at the event, he said the move followed a request from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump noted the sanctions had served their purpose but stated it was time for Syria to progress.
This marks a pivotal change in US foreign policy. Syria was labelled a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979, with sanctions imposed in 2004 and expanded in 2011 during the civil war. The country, devastated by years of conflict, could see a turning point in its recovery.
Trump also finalised an arms deal with Saudi Arabia worth nearly $142 billion. According to the White House, it is the largest defence cooperation agreement ever signed by the US. The deal includes support for air defence, naval security, communications, and space capabilities, involving over a dozen American defence firms.
Strengthening Regional Ties and Business Partnerships
Trump’s visit underscores a push to strengthen US-Saudi ties and promote regional stability, especially regarding Israel and Iran. The two countries signed agreements spanning energy, mining, and defence, potentially expanding to $1 trillion with future deals.
The former president expressed optimism about Saudi-Israel relations, though progress appears uncertain due to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance on a Palestinian state. Still, Trump urged the Saudis to consider normalising ties when ready.
While Trump avoided any mention of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s 2018 murder, he praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, calling him “an incredible man.” Trump also reaffirmed a tough stance on Iran, offering the chance for a new deal but warning of severe consequences if rejected.
High-Profile Forum Draws Top Business Leaders
Trump’s visit focused more on investment than security. Several prominent US business figures attended the Riyadh event, including Elon Musk, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, BlackRock’s Larry Fink, and Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman.
During the forum, Trump met with top Saudi officials and viewed models of the country’s ambitious development plans. These include Vision 2030 initiatives like NEOM, a futuristic city aiming to reduce Saudi Arabia’s reliance on oil, which still contributes over 60% of state revenue.
Trump will continue his regional tour with visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The agenda centres on investment opportunities rather than military strategy.
with inputs from Reuters