RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump lifted sanctions on Syria Tuesday while extending an “olive branch” to Iran, signaling a potential thaw in tensions if Tehran agrees to curb its nuclear program. The surprise announcements came during a high-profile speech in Saudi Arabia, where Trump cast himself as a historic peacemaker reshaping the Middle East through “commerce, not chaos.”
Trump Lifts Syria Sanctions: ‘A Chance at Greatness’
Expressing optimism about Syria’s political future, Trump announced the immediate lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Damascus, a move he said was encouraged by Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
“Oh, what I do for the crown prince,” Trump quipped as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman smiled from the audience. “We’re giving Syria a chance at greatness.”
The decision marks a stark reversal from years of U.S. pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, suggesting a pragmatic shift toward stability over regime change.
Trump’s Iran Offer: ‘A Brighter Future’ – But Time is Running Out
While vowing that Iran “will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump dangled the prospect of sanctions relief if Tehran agrees to new nuclear restrictions.
“Iran can have a much brighter future,” Trump declared. “The choice is theirs to make.”
However, he warned that his offer “will not last forever,” threatening a return to “maximum pressure” if negotiations stall.
“Things are happening at a very fast pace,” Trump said. “They have to make their move right now, one way or the other.”
Saudi Arabia’s $600 Billion Investment & Middle East ‘Transformation’
Trump’s speech followed a major economic announcement, with Saudi Arabia committing $600 billion in U.S. investments—a deal he hailed as a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda.
Praising the Arab world’s rapid development, Trump distanced himself from past U.S. foreign policy, taking a swipe at “Western interventionists” and “nation-builders” who he claimed “wrecked far more nations than they built.”
“A new generation of leaders is transcending the ancient conflicts of tired divisions of the past,” Trump said, hinting at a historic realignment in the region.
Ukraine-Russia Talks & Houthi Truce: Trump’s Broader Peace Push
Beyond the Middle East, Trump highlighted his efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, with potential talks in Istanbul this week. Though Vladimir Putin’s attendance remains uncertain, Trump plans to send Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent the U.S.
He also touted a recent truce with Iran-backed Houthis after Red Sea skirmishes, boasting: “We hit them hard. We got what we came for, and then we got out.”
Will Iran Take the Deal?
Trump’s dual approach—offering Iran sanctions relief while keeping military pressure—puts Tehran in a tough spot. With economic struggles mounting, the regime must decide whether to negotiate or face renewed U.S. sanctions.
“As I have shown repeatedly, I am willing to end past conflicts and forge new partnerships,” Trump said. “Even if our differences may be very profound.”
What’s Next?
- Will Iran accept Trump’s “olive branch”?
- Can Syria stabilize after sanctions relief?
- Will Saudi Arabia join the Abraham Accords?
One thing is clear: Trump is betting big on a Middle East transformation—with or without Tehran’s cooperation.