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Trump Hosts Syria’s Al-Sharaa, Pauses Sanctions and Welcomes Damascus Into Anti-ISIS Coalition

Washington signaled a pragmatic pivot prioritizing counter-ISIS cooperation through limited sanctions relief.

Overview

  • The Treasury Department suspended enforcement of key Caesar Act sanctions for 180 days, easing restrictions without repealing the law, which only Congress can change.
  • U.S. officials confirmed Syria will join the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and President Ahmed al-Sharaa said he is open to a coordinated U.S. military presence subject to agreements with Damascus.
  • Discussions covered reopening embassies and U.S. support for exploring a SyriaIsrael security arrangement, while al-Sharaa ruled out immediate direct talks with Israel and suggested possible U.S.-brokered steps.
  • Lawmakers remain divided over broader sanctions relief, with House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast declining to back a clean repeal after meeting al-Sharaa.
  • Syrian authorities reported foiling two ISIS assassination plots targeting al-Sharaa and arresting more than 70 suspects in recent nationwide raids.