Trump to meet interim Syrian president as Damascus celebrates lifting of sanctions - BBC News

During a Middle East visit, Donald Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signing a $142 billion defense agreement and praising the strengthened US-Saudi relationship. He also announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, prompting joyous celebrations in Damascus, and stated his intention to meet with Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This meeting, however, was described as a brief "hello." Trump further expressed a desire to strike a deal with Iran, while warning of severe consequences if his offer is refused. He also commented on the Israel-Gaza conflict and the war in Ukraine, expressing hope for a better future in Gaza and mentioning ongoing efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. A significant part of the visit involved a large arms deal with Saudi Arabia and the announcement of a partnership between Nvidia and a Saudi AI startup to build AI factories in the country. The lifting of sanctions on Syria has been met with optimism by Syrians, who hope it will help revive their war-torn economy.