Historic White House Visit: Syria’s President al‑Sharaa Seeks Sanctions Relief and Anti‑ISIL Cooperation

Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa Arrives in Washington

Syria’s President Ahmed al‑Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for a landmark meeting with President Donald Trump — the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the White House in at least 80 years. The trip carries important diplomatic and economic stakes for both capitals.

Sanctions and the Caesar Act

A primary focus for Damascus is the rollback of U.S. sanctions that have hampered Syria’s recovery. In particular, al‑Sharaa is pressing for repeal of the 2019 Caesar Act, which was imposed during Bashar al‑Assad’s rule. The Trump administration has issued an executive order to lift some sanctions, but a full repeal of the Caesar Act requires action by the U.S. Congress.

U.S. sanctions on Syria have a long history, with measures dating back to the late 1970s and further expansions in 2004, 2011 and 2019. Syrian officials argue that lifting sanctions would allow the country to re‑enter the global financial system, attract investment and accelerate reconstruction.

Political Obstacles and Congressional Outreach

Reports identified Republican Congressman Brian Mast — who has previously made controversial public comments — as a potential obstacle to undoing the Caesar Act. Syrian journalist Fared al‑Mahlool reported on Instagram that Mast met with 43‑year‑old al‑Sharaa early Monday and described the encounter as "positive and constructive."

Reconstruction Needs

Al‑Sharaa is also seeking international funding to rebuild after more than a decade of conflict. The World Bank estimates Syria needs at least $216 billion to repair destroyed neighbourhoods, revive a devastated healthcare system and restore critical infrastructure after the 13‑year civil war that followed the 2011 uprising.

U.S. Objectives: Security and Regional Normalisation

From Washington’s perspective, the visit presents an opportunity to secure Syrian cooperation against ISIL (ISIS). The U.S.‑led anti‑ISIL coalition includes around 89 countries, and U.S. officials hope Damascus will formally join the effort. Syrian participation would be framed as a sign of regional reintegration under al‑Sharaa’s administration.

The White House is also reported to be interested in broadening the scope of the Abraham Accords — the U.S.‑brokered normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states — by encouraging Syria to move toward formal normalization with Israel, although such developments would be complex and politically sensitive.

Security Activity and Diplomatic Signals

As al‑Sharaa landed in Washington, Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced a "large‑scale security operation," reporting 61 raids targeting alleged ISIL cells in Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs and Damascus. Arab media have suggested Syria is likely to sign on to expanded anti‑ISIL cooperation, and U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said he hoped an agreement would be signed.

Historical Context and Other Developments

This is the first White House visit by a Syrian president since Syria’s independence from French rule in 1946. Al‑Sharaa previously met President Trump in Saudi Arabia, where Trump described him as an "attractive, tough guy." The visit follows al‑Sharaa’s earlier trip to United Nations headquarters in New York — his first to the U.S. — and is notable given al‑Sharaa’s past, including time spent in U.S. detention in the 2006–2011 period after capture in Iraq.

Separately, some reports indicate the U.S. is establishing a military presence at the Mezzeh airbase in Damascus; Syrian officials have denied that a U.S. base is being used to broker a peace pact with Israel. Tom Barrack has publicly discussed pursuing a non‑aggression agreement between Syria and Israel as part of broader normalisation efforts.

Bottom line: The visit is both a test and an opportunity — for Syria to seek sanctions relief and reconstruction support, and for the U.S. to pursue security cooperation against ISIL and potential regional normalization. Outcomes will depend on complex domestic and congressional politics in Washington and shifting regional dynamics.