President Donald Trump met with Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa (al Julani) on 12 May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in a significant shift in US policy following earlier diplomatic disengagement and economic sanctions.
The United States had previously refused to recognise Syria’s transitional authorities, citing concerns over the lack of minority protections, the risk of ideological governance under Sharia law, and the country’s approach to regional stability.
Speaking to Lebanese media, Deputy Special Envoy Morgan Ortagus confirmed that the US had delivered a detailed list of demands to Syria’s interim government months ago. These included the protection and political inclusion of all peoples in Syria—especially Christians, Kurds, Druze, and Alawites—as well as a rejection of religious governance models.
“We not only want these groups protected,” Ortagus said, “we want them involved in governing Syria. We want to ensure the country is led by a civilian, inclusive government—not a Sharia regime.”
Ortagus also highlighted that the future of Syria must be based on peace and cooperation with neighbouring states.
“President al-Sharaa understands that Syria’s progress will not come through war with Lebanon, Israel, or any other neighbour, but through regional trade, stability, and inclusion.”
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After months of silence from Damascus, it was only through mediation by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that a breakthrough was reached. Al-Sharaa’s administration signalled its commitment to peaceful governance and regional integration, prompting Washington to lift the Caesar Act sanctions—punitive economic measures originally imposed on Syria under the Ba’athist Assad regime.
The Riyadh meeting on 12 May marks a formal renewal of diplomatic engagement. Ortagus noted that while a separate list of conditions remains confidential, the US considers Syria’s new stance a positive step towards a democratic transition.
