Trump lifts Syria sanctions, secures $600B Saudi investment deal

In a stunning opening to his Gulf tour, U.S. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria, signaling a dramatic shift in American foreign policy and potentially reshaping regional dynamics in the Middle East.

Speaking in Riyadh alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump also unveiled a sweeping $600 billion commitment from Saudi Arabia to invest in American infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors over the next decade.

The deal marks one of the largest foreign investment pledges in U.S. history and is being touted by Trump as a victory for American jobs and economic growth.

“This is a new era of peace through strength and prosperity through partnership,” Trump said at a joint press conference.

“We are turning a page and forging a new future—with bold diplomacy, bold investment, and bold leadership.”

The announcement was accompanied by the confirmation of a massive U.S.-Saudi arms deal worth nearly $142 billion. The White House described the agreement as the “largest defense cooperation deal in American history,” covering advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems, and cybersecurity capabilities.

The deal is expected to bolster Saudi Arabia’s military capacity amid rising regional tensions with Iran and ongoing instability in Yemen.

However, it was Trump’s abrupt decision to lift sanctions on Syria that sparked the most immediate controversy.

The economic restrictions, which have been in place in various forms since 2004, targeted Syrian government officials and entities linked to President Bashar al-Assad’s regime over human rights violations, including the use of chemical weapons.

Trump framed the move as a strategic recalibration, arguing that re-engaging economically with Damascus could help stabilize the region and reduce Iran’s influence in Syria.

“We’re giving Syria a chance to come back into the family of nations,” he said, adding that U.S. officials would soon begin exploratory talks with the Assad government.

The announcement drew swift criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington, as well as from human rights organizations.

“This sends a dangerous message to dictators around the world—that war crimes can be forgiven if there’s money or geopolitics involved,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).

Saudi officials welcomed the lifting of Syria sanctions, calling it “a step toward reconciliation and Arab unity.” Riyadh has recently joined other Arab capitals in re-establishing diplomatic ties with Damascus, a move that has divided opinion across the region.

The whirlwind visit underscores Trump’s continued influence in global affairs as he mounts his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.

Tuesday’s announcements are expected to dominate headlines throughout his Gulf tour, which will also include stops in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Despite the pageantry and billion-dollar deals, critics warn that the long-term implications—particularly regarding Syria—remain uncertain. For now, however, Trump has once again demonstrated his ability to upend conventional diplomacy with headline-grabbing, high-stakes moves.