The United States said on Monday it was partly suspending enforcement of some of its toughest sanctions on Syria for another 180 days as its president Donald Trump hosted Syrian president Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House for landmark talks. In an unusually low-key welcome, Mr Sharaa arrived without the fanfare usually given to visiting foreign dignitaries. He entered through a side door instead of through the West Wing main door where cameras often capture Mr Trump greeting VIPs. US President Donald Trump with President Ahmad al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in May. But even though Mr Trump has already removed many sanctions on Syria, a major stumbling block remains – the 2019 Caesar sanctions, considered the strongest measures.

Source: The Irish Times November 11, 2025 03:23 UTC