Syria Seeks End to Sanctions in High-Level Call with Trump Administration

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on Sunday evening, with Damascus making a direct appeal for the removal of remaining economic sanctions as a critical measure to restore the country's economy and enhance the welfare of its citizens.

According to an announcement from the Syrian presidency, the two leaders discussed the state of bilateral ties between their nations alongside regional political and security matters. The conversation also covered potential avenues for expanded cooperation aimed at strengthening Syria's stability and accelerating economic revitalization efforts.

During the call, al-Sharaa emphasized the necessity for sustained international engagement throughout Syria's reconstruction period. He argued that the elimination of sanctions would facilitate foreign investment and establish the groundwork needed for development initiatives across key economic sectors.

The discussion also touched on regional security concerns, with the Syrian leader underlining the value of diplomatic engagement and negotiated settlements as means to prevent further tensions and promote stability throughout the region.

Trump indicated his commitment to monitoring the situation in Syria and the broader Middle East, reaffirming the U.S. administration's support for the country's stabilization and reconstruction endeavors, according to the Syrian presidency's statement.

The conversation took place shortly after the Trump administration announced the appointment of Tom Barrack, the current U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, as special presidential envoy to Syria and Iraq while maintaining his diplomatic post in Ankara. This dual assignment signals heightened American attention to developments in Syria and the surrounding region.

Recent weeks have seen intensified engagement between Damascus and Washington, reflecting shifting dynamics as Syria pursues relief from economic constraints and the United States reassesses its policy approach toward Syria amid significant regional changes.