After Trump and Sharaa’s meeting.. America extends the suspension of sanctions

The United States extended the suspension of a wide range of sanctions against Syria for another 180 days. This announcement came on Monday (11/10) after US President Donald Trump met with the new Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa at the White House.

The decision, formalized in a joint statement from the Departments of Treasury, State, and Commerce, renews an exemption granted in May under the Caesar Syria Civil Protection Act (2019) — legislation that imposed severe economic restrictions on the former government of Bashar al-Assad.

According to the document, the suspension allows companies to export essential civilian goods, software, and technologies of American origin to Syria without the need for a special license. However, transactions with governments or entities associated with Russia and Iran, as well as products on the Trade Watch List, remain prohibited.

Historical convergence

This gesture represents the highest point of rapprochement between Washington and Damascus since the overthrow of Assad at the end of last year. Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who led the rebel forces that overthrew the previous regime, became the first Syrian head of state to officially visit the White House since the country’s independence in 1946.

However, his rise is controversial: the new president was the leader of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, a group with links to Al Qaeda that was recently removed from US, UK and UN lists of terrorist organisations.

During the meeting, which was held behind closed doors, Al-Sharaa and Trump discussed the reconstruction of Syria, the resumption of bilateral relations, and “regional issues of common interest,” according to a Syrian government statement.

Pictures published by Damascus show the two leaders shaking hands in the Oval Office, surrounded by senior American officials such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth.

US President Ahmed Al-Sharaa arrived at the White House on a visit to the United States of America, where he was received by US President Donald Trump.

The President held a session of investigators, pic.twitter.com/45YGVGgM2F

– Presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic (@SyPresidency) November 10, 2025

From a former extremist to an ally of Washington

Al-Sharaa’s transformation – from a wanted former jihadist to a diplomatic interlocutor – is described as a “symbolic moment” for the new phase in Syria. “This is a crucial step in trying to legitimize the post-Assad government and integrate it into the international system,” said Michael Hanna of the International Crisis Group.

Trump, in turn, praised the new leader, whom he described as “young and attractive.” According to diplomatic sources, Washington intends to provide financial support for the reconstruction of Syria and establish a military base near Damascus “to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor regional security.”

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