Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is actively pursuing the restoration of diplomatic ties with the United States. In a recent interview, al-Sharaa emphasized his government’s intention to reestablish relations in the coming days, though he acknowledged that there has been no direct contact with the Trump administration to date.
Al-Sharaa highlighted the unauthorized presence of U.S. troops in Syria, asserting that any foreign military presence should be sanctioned by the Syrian state. He identified U.S. sanctions as the most significant threat to Syria, expressing hope that President Trump would prioritize lifting these measures to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.
Formerly the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an Islamist group that severed ties with al Qaeda in 2016, al-Sharaa led the offensive that ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December. Despite HTS’s past designation as a terrorist organization by the U.S., al-Sharaa is now positioning his administration as a legitimate governing body seeking international recognition and cooperation.
In his diplomatic efforts, al-Sharaa recently visited Ankara to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The discussions focused on joint security strategies, particularly addressing threats in northeastern Syria, and the importance of lifting international sanctions to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery. Both leaders emphasized the need for international support during Syria’s transitional period and explored avenues for economic collaboration.
Al-Sharaa also indicated a willingness to reassess Syria’s alliances, including the Russian military presence in the country, and expressed openness to exploring peace agreements with neighboring nations, such as Israel. These moves signal a potential shift in Syria’s foreign policy as the new administration seeks to establish stability and rebuild the nation’s international relationships.
As Syria navigates this transitional phase, the international community is closely monitoring al-Sharaa’s actions and statements. The success of his efforts to restore U.S. ties and garner broader international support will significantly influence Syria’s path toward recovery and reintegration into the global community.
