Ahmed al-Sharaa

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has denied intentions to fight Hezbollah, despite US encouragement. Hezbollah has expressed openness to dialogue with Damascus, while Trump and US envoy Tom Barrack have advocated for Syrian involvement in Hezbollah's disarmament. Syria cites risks to domestic stability and potential empowerment of Islamic State (IS) as reasons for its stance.

Iran accuses the US of undermining diplomatic efforts amid ongoing message exchanges, while President Trump shared AI-generated images of an Iranian oil tanker seizure. Iran and Ukraine exchanged accusations over a commercial vessel attack, and Syria's president discussed potential peace terms with Israel. Israel approved an international force for Gaza and settlers established new outposts in the West Bank.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that a security deal with Israel would not compromise Syria’s claim to the Golan Heights. He emphasized Syria’s pursuit of a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel, involving multiple countries, while addressing border security concerns and ruling out military intervention in Lebanon.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated in an Al Jazeera interview that Syria seeks a security agreement with Israel involving multiple countries. He emphasized the deal could lead to comprehensive peace without compromising Syria's claim to the Golan Heights.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that Damascus is working towards a security agreement with Israel. The outlined approach also involves coordination with Lebanon.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that Damascus is seeking a security deal with Israel. He also warned of potential chaos in Lebanon.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres visited Damascus to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, pledging UN support for Syria's reconstruction and backing a request for EU aid. Guterres criticized the situation in the Golan Heights as 'totally unacceptable' while Damascus demanded an Israeli withdrawal from a UN-patrolled buffer zone.

UN Chief António Guterres made his first official visit to Syria in 17 years, meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was under UN Security Council sanctions until last year.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is visiting Syria to reaffirm support for the country's transition following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by new authorities led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Guterres was received by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani during his three-day visit.

Syria requires US$216 billion for reconstruction according to World Bank estimates, and recent developments suggest potential progress following the establishment of a new constitutional body by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The country began to show signs of possible economic recovery for the first time since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Syria's authorities are seeking foreign investors through a sovereign wealth fund established by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, but critics have labeled the fund a 'black box' due to its lack of transparency. Experts argue the fund, tasked with managing state assets and investment projects, operates without sufficient clarity.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to attack a US special operations command center in Syria's al-Tanf, while the US bombed Iran for the sixth consecutive night. A Syrian military source confirmed Iran conducted an attack near al-Tanf but denied striking the base itself, with no casualties or damage reported. US forces also targeted Iranshahr airport, causing civilian injuries and infrastructure damage.

UAE developer Mohamed Alabbar plans $20 billion in housing, tourism, and education projects in Syria's Damascus and Latakia through his Abu Dhabi-based firm Eagle Hills. The investments align with Gulf efforts to counter Iranian influence in Syria and represent a strategic growth opportunity for UAE developers.

Syrian Druze leader Hikmat al-Hijri proposed Sweida province's integration into Israel while emphasizing autonomy preservation. He highlighted Israel's support amid ongoing sectarian violence in Syria following Bashar al-Assad's overthrow. Recent conflicts, including attacks in Sweida and Latakia, have intensified fears of reprisals under new President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Nusra Front leader.

Syria’s new parliament held its first session since the ouster of former President Bashar Assad, with two-thirds of its 210 members elected through electoral colleges and one-third appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The parliament aims to draft new laws and prepare for future elections during its 30-month term, with Abdul Hamid al-Awak elected as speaker.

The Syrian parliament convened for the first time following al-Assad’s overthrow. President Ahmed Al-Sharaa emphasized improving the economy and strengthening public services as key priorities.

Syria's new parliament convened in Damascus for the first time, 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa urged lawmakers to make the council a model of responsibility and a platform for truth and justice.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani is engaging in diplomatic efforts across multiple regions to advance President Ahmed al-Sharaa's initiatives, but faces challenges in a volatile Middle East. His travels to cities like Riyadh, Beirut, Washington, and Moscow highlight his role in reshaping regional dynamics.

France is considering Syria as an alternative oil route to the Strait of Hormuz due to renewed US-Iran hostilities. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stated this during an interview, following President Macron's visit to Syria to discuss cooperation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

US President Donald Trump initiated the process of removing Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, notifying Congress and informing Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that the move aims to aid Syria's reconstruction. The decision represents a significant shift in US policy toward Syria.

President Trump announces a move to delist Syria as a 'state sponsor of terrorism', citing efforts by Ahmed al-Sharaa to unify the country.

The United States will remove Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, ending a designation that dates back to 1979. This decision is described as a confidence-building measure for Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The United States will remove Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, a designation dating to 1979, marking a shift in policy under leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision is expected to ease investment restrictions previously imposed on Syria.

The US is removing Syria from its terror blacklist. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

President Donald Trump announced he will remove Syria from the State Department's State Sponsors of Terrorism list. The announcement was made while he was sitting next to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

President Donald Trump informed Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that he had decided to remove Syria from the U.S. list of designated state sponsors of terrorism. Trump stated the move would help Syria rebuild its country.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the Trump administration plans to remove Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation following a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The move aims to enable private investment in Syria and foster regional stability, citing executive actions and Syria’s counterterrorism efforts as justification.

US President Donald Trump praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa as 'fantastic' and 'highly respected' during a meeting at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The meeting marked a significant diplomatic shift, as Sharaa, previously a US-designated terrorist, has gained support from Turkey, which aims to influence Syria. Trump's endorsement contrasts with his criticism of traditional NATO allies.

Trump says he may remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, lift sanctions, and commend Damascus for stability. He also suggested Syria could help combat Hezbollah in Lebanon, echoing a prior call for Syria to invade Lebanon to fight the group.

Twin blasts in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit highlighted the fragility of President Ahmed al-Sharaa's authority and the security challenges he faces. The blasts undermined Damascus's efforts to project stability to the international community.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus and expressed a belief that a new era is dawning in Syria. He met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the visit.

President Donald Trump participates in the final day of the NATO summit, focusing on defense spending, Ukraine support, and transatlantic security. Key events include Trump's meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as discussions on lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey and potential F-35 jet sales.

President Trump attends the final day of the NATO summit, focusing on defense spending, support for Ukraine, and transatlantic security. Trump meets with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, announces U.S. sanctions lifted on Turkey, and signals approval for F-35 jet sales to Ankara. Ukraine warns of dwindling Patriot missile supplies amid ongoing Russian attacks.

President Donald Trump is expected to remove Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation ahead of a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara. The removal would facilitate private-sector investment in Syria and ease legal barriers for companies like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and Nokia.

President Donald Trump is expected to remove Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara. The move aims to facilitate private-sector investment in Syria and align with broader U.S. strategic goals in the Middle East, though the State Department notes several steps remain before the designation can be officially lifted.

Two bomb attacks in Damascus near President Macron's hotel wounded 18 people. The bombs, placed in a car and garbage container, exploded during dismantling efforts. Macron continued his visit to discuss Syria's reconstruction with Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Two explosions occurred near Damascus' Four Seasons hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a visit to meet Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The blasts, caused by improvised devices in a trash container and a parked car, injured 18 people, including four police officers. Macron confirmed his safety and stated his visit would continue.

Two explosions in Damascus near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying injured 18 people. Macron was not present in the hotel during the blasts, having already arrived at Syria's presidential palace for a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa.

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Syria, stating 'France stands by its side' and aiming to boost investment in the war-torn country. The visit coincided with security challenges, including a twin explosion near Macron's hotel, as both leaders seek to rebuild Syria despite ongoing risks.

French President Emmanuel Macron held a press conference with al-Sharaa following two bomb explosions in Damascus near Macron's hotel during his visit. The event marked a significant diplomatic engagement amid security concerns.