Syrian president visits United States after terrorism delisting to seek post-war support
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States for a historic official visit—the first by a Syrian president since 1946—following his removal from a US terrorism blacklist. Sharaa, whose forces overthrew Bashar al-Assad, is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump to discuss regional security, post-war recovery efforts, and potentially joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). His visit signals US recognition of progress made by the new Syrian leadership in moving away from a militant past.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for an official visit, marking the first time a Syrian president has traveled to the US since the country's independence in 1946. The visit occurs just one day after Washington formally removed him from its terrorism blacklist.
Sharaa, whose rebel forces successfully overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad last year, is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. He previously met Trump in Riyadh during the US president’s regional tour in May.
US envoy to Syria, Tom Barrack, has expressed optimism that Sharaa will sign an agreement for Syria to join the US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). Furthermore, a diplomatic source in Syria indicated that the US plans to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and observe developments between Syria and Israel.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed that the delisting was granted after Sharaa’s government met US requirements, including efforts to locate missing Americans and dismantle any remaining chemical weapons stockpiles. Pigott described the delisting as recognition of the progress Syria’s new leadership has made following decades of repression under Assad, adding that it would support regional security and a "Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process."
Sharaa’s trip to Washington follows his September visit to the United Nations, where he addressed the General Assembly—the first Syrian president to do so in decades. That visit was preceded by the UN Security Council removing sanctions against him. Moreover, Sharaa's former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was previously linked to Al-Qaeda, was delisted as a terrorist organization by the US in July.
Since taking power, Sharaa and Syria’s new leadership have actively sought to distance themselves from their militant history and present a more moderate image internationally. The White House visit is described by analysts as a symbolic step in Sharaa’s transition from militant leader to global statesman. During the visit, Sharaa is expected to seek significant international funds to aid Syria’s recovery, which the World Bank estimates could cost around USD 216 billion following 13 years of civil war.
