Gulf states are keen to invest in Syria, which has important mineral and oil reserves, but had been prevented from doing so by U.S. sanctions. President Trump has now pledged to lift the restrictions.

Sharaa, once an al Qaeda militant, has risen to become Syria's president. His meeting with U.S. President Trump marks a milestone in his political journey. Despite challenges, including fears of authoritarian rule and sectarian violence,

In a historic move, President Trump met with Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, signaling a potential shift in US-Syria relations after decades

During a Saudi Arabia meeting, US President Trump urged Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalize relations with Israel, following a US announcement to lift sanctions on Syria.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa will not attend the Arab League Summit in Baghdad this weekend, Syrian state media said on Monday, after Iraq's invitation spurred controversy over the rebel-turned-leader's potential return to a country where he fought and was jailed.

“There are indirect talks with Israel through mediators to calm and attempt to absorb the situation so that it does not reach a level that both sides lose control over,” al-Sharaa said, reiterating blame on Israel over what he described as its “random interventions” in Syria.