Trump Lifts Syria Sanctions and Sets 45-Minute Meeting with New Leader in Riyadh

Hi, folks! Big news is shaking up the Middle East, and we’re here to break it down for you. On May 13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell: he’s lifting sanctions on Syria, a country that’s been struggling under restrictions for decades. On top of that, he’s scheduled a 45-minute face-to-face meeting with Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, today, May 14, at 09:41 AM CEST. This is a historic moment, and the team at TheMors has been digging into the story to give you all the details you need. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why it matters, and what might come next for Syria and the region. What’s Behind Trump’s Move to Lift Sanctions on Syria? Syria has been under U.S. sanctions since 1979, when it was listed as a state sponsor of terrorism. Things got even tougher during the 14-year civil war under former President Bashar al-Assad, who was forced out in December 2024. Those sanctions hit hard—Syria couldn’t access global banking syste...