Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in the United States on Saturday for a landmark official visit, a day after Washington removed him from a terrorism blacklist. This visit marks the first time a Syrian president has come to the US since the country gained independence in 1946.
Sharaa, whose rebel forces overthrew longtime leader Bashar al-Assad last year, is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. The visit follows a previous meeting in Riyadh during Trump’s regional tour in May.
US officials hope the meeting will result in an agreement for Syria to join the international US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). Washington plans to establish a military base near Damascus to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor developments between Syria and Israel, according to a diplomatic source.
The State Department’s decision to remove Sharaa from the blacklist was widely anticipated. A spokesman noted that the Syrian leadership has met US demands, including efforts to locate missing Americans and eliminate remaining chemical weapons. “These actions recognize progress following Assad’s departure and more than 50 years of repression under his regime,” the spokesman said. He added that delisting Sharaa aims to support regional stability and a Syrian-led political process.
Following his arrival, Syrian authorities reported carrying out 61 raids and making 71 arrests to counter remaining IS sleeper cells. Operations targeted cities including Aleppo, Idlib, Hama, Homs, Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa, and Damascus.
Sharaa also met with representatives of Syrian organizations in Washington, highlighting his country’s ongoing efforts to present a moderate and stable image to the international community. A social media post from the Syrian foreign minister showed Sharaa playing basketball with US military officials, emphasizing the message “work hard, play harder.”
Sharaa’s US visit follows his historic appearance at the United Nations in September, when he addressed the UN General Assembly—the first Syrian leader to do so in decades. Prior to this, Washington led a Security Council vote to lift UN sanctions against him.
Sharaa’s former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously linked to Al-Qaeda, was delisted as a terrorist organization in July. Since taking power, Sharaa has focused on distancing Syria from its violent past while promoting a moderate image that appeals to both Syrians and international partners.
“This visit underscores the US commitment to the new Syria and highlights Sharaa’s transformation from militant leader to global statesman,” said Michael Hanna, director of the International Crisis Group’s US program.
A key objective of Sharaa’s trip is to secure funds for Syria’s post-war recovery. After 13 years of civil conflict, the country faces enormous challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and institutions. The World Bank estimates the reconstruction cost at $216 billion.
Sharaa’s visit represents a symbolic and practical step in Syria’s reintegration into the international community. It signals both the US and Syria’s intent to engage constructively, while also setting the stage for broader regional stability and cooperation.
