Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has reportedly made a strategic pitch to U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of his visit to the Middle East, seeking a potential meeting to ease tensions between Syria and Israel while exploring opportunities for economic cooperation.
According to a Reuters report, Sharaa, who remains a U.S.-designated terrorist, has expressed interest in a future business deal, including a Trump Tower in Damascus, peace with Israel, and access to Syria’s oil and gas resources.
Jonathan Bass, an American activist supportive of Trump, met Sharaa in Damascus and has been working to arrange a historic meeting between the two leaders. While the likelihood of such a meeting remains slim due to Trump’s tight schedule and internal U.S. policy disagreements, efforts are ongoing to establish a high-level U.S.-Syria dialogue.
Syria’s overtures to Washington also include a proposal to show its non-threatening stance toward Israel, a key concern as Israel has escalated airstrikes in Syria since the country’s regime change. Sharaa has reportedly engaged in indirect negotiations with Israel via the UAE, signaling a potential shift in the region’s dynamics.
Despite these efforts, Washington’s stance remains cautious, with the U.S. emphasizing counterterrorism and conditions related to Syria’s foreign fighters. A recent meeting between U.S. officials and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani highlighted the gap in expectations, particularly regarding Syria’s commitment to U.S. demands for reforms.
Although a direct Trump-Sharaa meeting is considered unlikely, the push for engagement with Washington underscores Syria’s desire for a shift in its international standing and economic recovery, amidst a complex geopolitical backdrop.
