Trump’s Stunning Syria Overture: Sanctions Lifted, New Regime Welcomed

Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad since retaking the oath of office may be remembered as a hinge moment and a seismic shift in Middle Eastern regional politics.

In a surprise announcement during a Tuesday speech in Saudi Arabia, the president revealed his intention to provide the post–Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria “a chance at greatness.” Toward that end, he would do what he could to withdraw all U.S. sanctions levied against the Assad regime in Damascus, some of which have been in place since 1979.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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Donald Trump’s first major trip abroad since retaking the oath of office may be remembered as a hinge moment and a seismic shift in Middle Eastern regional politics.

In a surprise announcement during a Tuesday speech in Saudi Arabia, the president revealed his intention to provide the post–Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria “a chance at greatness.” Toward that end, he would do what he could to withdraw all U.S. sanctions levied against the Assad regime in Damascus, some of which have been in place since 1979.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.