Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa stuns the Middle East by declaring willingness to recognize Israel and join the Abraham Accords, potentially ending decades of hostility if Israel ceases military operations in Syria.
Key Takeaways
- Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed openness to joining the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel, according to U.S. Representatives who met with him.
- Al-Sharaa has three conditions: Israel must stop bombing Syria, halt promoting sectarian divisions, and negotiate regarding the Golan Heights.
- President Trump has implemented a 180-day waiver on sanctions against Syria to aid its economic recovery and foster regional stability.
- Al-Sharaa is reportedly working to reduce Iranian and Hezbollah influence in Syria while improving relations with Arab nations and the West.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned of potential civil war in Syria, suggesting the need for continued U.S. engagement.
Syrian Leader’s Remarkable Diplomatic Shift
In a dramatic shift in Middle Eastern politics, Syria’s newly appointed leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has signaled his willingness to normalize relations with Israel by potentially joining the Abraham Accords. This unexpected development was revealed by U.S. Representatives Cory Mills and Martin Stutzman following their unofficial visit to Damascus. Al-Sharaa’s conditions for this historic normalization include Israel ceasing military operations in Syria and beginning discussions about the contentious Golan Heights territory. The potential rapprochement represents a significant victory for President Trump’s Middle East peace initiatives and could fundamentally alter the region’s diplomatic landscape.
“He said, ‘We’re open to not only recognizing Israel, but also to try and join the Abraham Accords, but they must stop bombing within our nation,'” said Cory Mills, U.S. Representative.
Israel is reportedly conducting secret talks with the new Syrian government and engaged in two indirect channels of negotiations as the US intensifies its push to bring Syria into the Abraham Accords, @RinaBassist reports https://t.co/HHjoFdEEpt
— AL-Monitor (@AlMonitor) May 16, 2025
Trump Administration’s Strategic Engagement
President Trump has taken decisive action to support Syria’s potential diplomatic pivot by implementing a 180-day waiver on sanctions, creating economic breathing room for the war-torn nation. This strategic move follows a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa that was reportedly coordinated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the multilateral approach to regional stabilization. The Trump administration’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights in 2019 now presents both a challenge and opportunity for new negotiations, as Syrian officials maintain their claim to the territory while indicating willingness to discuss creative solutions.
“I don’t think the Syrian government would abandon the sovereignty over the Golan Heights,” stated an incoming assistant minister for the Americas in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Syria.
Regional Realignment and Security Challenges
Al-Sharaa’s leadership appears to be rapidly reconfiguring Syria’s geopolitical alignment, with reports indicating he has pushed Hezbollah forces out of Lebanon and is actively reducing Iranian influence within Syria. This strategic reorientation includes outreach to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates while simultaneously expressing preference for Western engagement over Russian offers of support. These developments align with the broader objectives of the Abraham Accords, which have successfully normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations under Trump’s leadership. Despite these positive steps, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned about the fragility of Syria’s transition.
“he would be open to the Abraham Accords,” confirmed Martin Stutzman, U.S. Representative.
Concerns and Skepticism
Despite the potential breakthrough, significant concerns remain regarding al-Sharaa’s background and intentions. His reported past ties to Islamic extremism and Al Qaeda have raised eyebrows among U.S. foreign policy experts, while his plan to delay elections for five years to rebuild Syria’s government structure has sparked democratic legitimacy questions. Additionally, creative solutions for the Golan Heights issue, such as a long-term lease arrangement suggested by Syrian officials, would require complex negotiations given the strategic importance of the territory. Nevertheless, Syria’s efforts to crack down on terrorism and eliminate unauthorized military movements may help address security concerns.
If successful, Syria’s inclusion in the Abraham Accords would represent one of President Trump’s most significant foreign policy achievements, expanding the historic peace framework he established during his first term. The potential normalization between Syria and Israel demonstrates how Trump’s strategic approach to Middle East diplomacy continues to reshape a region long characterized by entrenched conflicts. By addressing core security concerns while providing economic incentives, the administration has created an environment where even the most unlikely diplomatic breakthroughs have become possible, though significant challenges remain before full normalization can be achieved.
