Trump’s Middle East Trip Marks Diplomatic Shift with Historic Syrian Meeting and Warm Saudi Farewell

Former U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, departing with a symbolic sendoff from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi leader personally accompanied Trump on the tarmac and remained until the former president boarded Air Force One, capping a visit marked by diplomatic gestures and unexpected developments.

The farewell moment was marked by an exchange of respectful gestures, with Trump placing his hand over his heart and waving, while the Crown Prince stood by in a rare public display of personal diplomacy.

The visit carried broader significance beyond symbolism. During his time in Saudi Arabia, Trump met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim leader, signaling a notable moment in the region’s political dynamics. Once associated with militant groups, al-Sharaa’s transformation into a central figure in Syria’s transitional government highlights the country’s shifting trajectory after years of civil conflict.

Trump’s meeting with al-Sharaa was the first by a U.S. leader since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011. It reflected a growing willingness among global leaders to engage with Syria’s evolving leadership as the region moves toward reintegration and reconstruction.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the meeting focused on rebuilding Syria’s international relationships and promoting peace in the region. Trump encouraged the Syrian leader to consider joining the U.S.-backed Abraham Accords—an agreement framework that aims to normalize diplomatic relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

“He has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country,” Leavitt said, summarizing Trump’s message to al-Sharaa.

The meeting came shortly after Trump announced that his administration would lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. The former president described the sanctions as necessary at the time but said that removing them would allow Syria a “chance at greatness.”

In a speech during his visit, Trump said, “The sanctions were brutal and crippling, and served an important function. But now it’s Syria’s time to shine. I say good luck, Syria—show us something very special.”

Leavitt’s official readout noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised Trump for his decision to lift the sanctions, vowing to work with Saudi Arabia to support peace and recovery efforts in Syria. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also welcomed the move, calling it a courageous step toward regional stability.

Al-Sharaa expressed gratitude for the diplomatic opportunity, thanking Trump, Erdoğan, and the Crown Prince for their roles in organizing the meeting. He pointed to a shared interest in eliminating terrorism and chemical weapons and highlighted the potential for improved U.S.-Syrian cooperation, especially as Iranian military forces reduce their presence in Syria.

Trump’s arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was marked by ceremony and hospitality. As his aircraft entered Saudi airspace, a fighter jet escort accompanied him to the capital. Upon landing, the Crown Prince greeted Trump with a fist pump, and the two walked a purple carpet into the official welcoming area, where traditional Saudi coffee was served.

The visit included a series of meetings with regional leaders and industry figures. Trump was accompanied by several Cabinet members, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

In the Saudi capital, American flags lined the streets, and mobile billboards promoted the upcoming Disney theme park in nearby Abu Dhabi. These signs of collaboration and investment underscored the broader goals of Trump’s trip—strengthening economic partnerships and attracting foreign investment to the United States.

Later in the day, Trump addressed a roundtable of tech and business leaders, including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. Discussions focused on innovation, cross-border investment, and potential partnerships in areas like clean energy and digital infrastructure. A formal state dinner concluded the day’s events.

Trump’s Middle East tour includes additional stops in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with economic cooperation and regional diplomacy topping the agenda. As part of his 17th week in office during his second term, this visit marks his first major overseas trip, laying the groundwork for a broader foreign policy strategy centered on partnership, opportunity, and stability.

With symbolic gestures and substantive policy shifts, the trip reflects Trump’s intention to engage more deeply in the Middle East while promoting American interests abroad.