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President Trump explores normalizing diplomatic relations with Syria after landmark Riyadh meeting
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High-level US and Israeli delegations hold Gaza ceasefire and hostage talks in Doha
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Trump outlines Syria conditions: Abraham Accords, anti-ISIS cooperation, and terrorist deportations
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Saudi Crown Prince and Turkish President involved in regional diplomacy
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White House confirms positive progress on Middle East peace and security
US and Israeli Envoys Meet in Qatar Over Gaza
A high-level Israeli delegation is meeting with US officials in Doha, Qatar to advance ceasefire and hostage negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza. According to a source cited by CNN, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and hostage envoy Adam Boehler are leading the American side.
Though Hamas is not directly present, the group is indirectly involved in the talks, the source added. This marks a fresh diplomatic push amid international pressure to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Trump Signals Breakthrough With Syria
President Donald Trump has announced that the US is “exploring normalizing relations” with Syria’s new government following a significant meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh. The meeting was part of Trump’s broader Middle East tour and was attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who joined via phone.
“We are currently exploring normalizing relations with Syria’s new government,” Trump said in a public address to the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The announcement follows Trump’s declaration to lift sanctions on Syria—a move he described as offering the country “a chance for greatness.” Sanctions have been in place for years over Syria’s civil war and ties to regional conflicts.
Conditions for Normalization Outlined
According to a White House readout, Trump presented President al-Sharaa with several key directives for normalization:
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Signing onto the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel
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Expelling foreign terrorist groups operating in Syria
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Deporting Palestinian militants
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Assisting the US in preventing an ISIS resurgence
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Taking responsibility for ISIS detention centers in Northeast Syria
An official told CNN the meeting was “positive on all levels” and facilitated by the Saudi Crown Prince and Turkish President.
Regional Peace and Security on Agenda
The leaders also discussed broader regional conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US hopes Syria’s cooperation could strengthen regional alliances and stability, especially as Trump’s administration seeks to expand the Abraham Accords to include new players.
The decision to lift Syria sanctions is controversial, but Trump defended the move:
“It gives them a good, strong chance, and it was my honor to do so,” he said.
