Trump, Sharaa hold phone call, discuss lifting sanctions, importance of 'prioritizing diplomacy'

Lead

US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa discussed the lifting of remaining US sanctions on Syria and the country's economic recovery during a phone call on Sunday, according to statements from Sharaa's office and reports by multiple news agencies.

The call, which focused on bilateral relations and regional security, came amid ongoing international attention on Syria's post-war reconstruction efforts. Sharaa stressed that lifting the remaining US sanctions is a necessary condition for reviving Syria's economy and improving living standards, according to a statement from his office carried by TASS, the Jerusalem Post, and the South China Morning Post.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the call was broadly consistent across the three outlets that covered it, though each emphasized different aspects. The Jerusalem Post and the South China Morning Post both highlighted the sanctions and their economic impact, with the Post also noting that Washington has said some sanctions remain in place despite dismantling most of its Syria sanctions regime and repealing the Caesar Act. TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on the diplomatic aspects of the conversation, including what it described as the need for "diplomatic ways of settling the conflict."

All three sources reported that Sharaa called for international support during Syria's reconstruction phase and underscored the importance of attracting investment. The South China Morning Post additionally reported that several Saudi firms are planning billion-dollar investments in Syria as part of Riyadh's efforts to support its recovery, a detail not mentioned by the other outlets.

Key Claims

• Sanctions relief as economic necessity: Sharaa said lifting remaining US sanctions was "essential" for reviving Syria's economy and attracting investment, according to statements from his office reported by all three outlets.
• Diplomacy and regional stability: Sharaa emphasized the need to prioritize diplomacy in the region to prevent further escalation, a point carried by TASS and the Jerusalem Post. Trump, according to Sharaa's office, stressed the importance of preserving stability in Syria and supporting its recovery.
• Special envoy Tom Barrack to retain role: Trump announced on Sunday that Tom Barrack will remain as the US Special Envoy for Syria, also retaining his roles as US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq, as reported by the Jerusalem Post.
• US review of terrorism designation: The South China Morning Post reported that the US is reviewing Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a claim not mentioned by the other two sources and not yet independently verified.
• Targeted sanctions continue: Washington says sanctions will continue to target former president Bashar al-Assad and his associates, as well as alleged human rights abusers and other actors destabilizing the region, according to the South China Morning Post.

Perspectives

Syrian Government Perspective

Sharaa's office framed the call as a constructive step forward, highlighting the need for sanctions relief, international investment, and diplomatic engagement to support Syria's reconstruction and stability.

US Administration Perspective

Trump's public statements, as relayed through Sharaa's office and the Jerusalem Post, emphasized support for Syria's recovery and the importance of continued coordination, with Barrack's retention signaling continuity in US policy toward Syria.

Regional and International Context

The South China Morning Post noted that lifting remaining sanctions is widely seen as key to the success of Syria's new government, with Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, signaling financial support. The review of Syria's terrorism designation, if confirmed, could further ease international engagement with Damascus.