Washington, November 2, 2025 — In a landmark diplomatic development, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Syria’s interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Washington later this month, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the U.S. capital in over 80 years, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani confirmed during a speech in Bahrain that the meeting would signify a “new chapter” in ties between Damascus and Washington. “President Ahmed al-Sharaa will be at the White House at the start of November,” al-Shaibani said, emphasizing the visit’s historic nature and its aim to strengthen bilateral relations.
He added that the talks would focus on lifting U.S. sanctions against Syria and fostering a strategic partnership between the two nations.
Citing Axios, Al Jazeera reported that U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack revealed al-Sharaa is expected to sign an agreement during his visit to formally join an American-led international alliance against ISIL (ISIS).
Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed power after Bashar al-Assad’s departure in December and has since worked to re-establish Syria’s global ties following decades of isolation. Earlier this year, he met President Trump in Saudi Arabia — the first meeting between Syrian and U.S. leaders in 25 years — during Trump’s talks with Gulf Cooperation Council heads.
In September, al-Sharaa addressed the United Nations General Assembly, pledging to rebuild Syria’s international relationships. His journey to Washington continues that outreach, positioning Syria for a potential return to the global diplomatic stage.
Once the leader of a militant offshoot of al-Qaeda, al-Sharaa broke ties with the network a decade ago and later fought against ISIL. Despite once facing a $10 million U.S. bounty and imprisonment by American forces during the Iraq conflict, his upcoming visit marks a dramatic shift in U.S.-Syria relations.
The planned meeting comes amid renewed peace efforts in the Middle East, following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and prisoner exchange aimed at ending the two-year Gaza war. Al Jazeera further reported that Syria and Israel are engaged in backchannel talks to stop Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and discuss a potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from the south.
