In Photos: Trump meets Syrian president in Riyadh as US explores normalizing ties

US President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on Wednesday.

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) watching as US President Donald Trump (C) shakes hands with Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on May 14, 2025.

Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a huge boost for al-Sharaa as he seeks to stabilize a country shattered by war.

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) greeting Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa as US President Donald Trump looks on, in Riyadh on May 14, 2025.

Trump made the surprise announcement during a regional tour that began in Saudi Arabia.

Syria’s foreign minister said that Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria was a “pivotal turning point” for the country.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman along with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) and US President Donald Trump (L).

The United States imposed tough sanctions on Syria during the rule of Bashar al-Assad, and had kept them in place since he was toppled from power in December after more than 13 years of war.

People celebrate in Damascus’ Omeyyad square after US President Donald Trump’s decision to lift sanctions in Syria, on May 13, 2025.