A Strategic Rapprochement with an Anti-Iranian Function and for the Stability of the Israeli-Syrian Front
The historic meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, held in Washington, marks the beginning of a significant reshuffling in Middle Eastern power dynamics. After more than a decade of political isolation and economic sanctions, Syria is once again taking a central place in U.S. strategic calculations. But behind the apparent diplomatic détente lies a far more concrete objective: to reshape the Middle Eastern landscape in an anti-Iranian direction while simultaneously consolidating stability along Israel’s eastern borders, in one of the region’s most sensitive quadrants.
A Symbolic and Pragmatic Meeting
The image of the two leaders shaking hands in the Roosevelt Room of the White House quickly went around the world. Trump, whose style has often emphasized diplomatic disruption, described the summit as “the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations.” Al-Sharaa, who succeeded the Assad era leadership, spoke of “a new opportunity for Syria to rejoin the international community.”
Behind these formal statements, however, the converging interests driving this rapprochement are clear. For Washington, Syria now represents a potential tool to curb Iran’s influence, which in recent years has consolidated its military and political presence across the region, from Lebanon to Iraq. For Damascus, American engagement offers a chance to emerge from long-standing economic isolation and attract the investment needed to rebuild the country.
The Anti-Iranian Function
According to analysis from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Trump’s move is part of a broader strategy of “selective re-engagement” in the Middle East, aimed at weakening Tehran’s power through pragmatic new alliances. Historically allied with Iran, Syria now appears willing to recalibrate this relationship. Al-Sharaa has stated that “Syrian sovereignty must prevail over any external influence,” a remark widely interpreted as a message to the Iranian leadership.
The United States, in turn, has offered a partial easing of sanctions under the Caesar Act in exchange for a gradual reduction of pro-Iranian militia presence in Syrian territory. Washington hopes that, even if slow, this process could help disrupt the so-called “Shia corridor,” which—although partly weakened by Israel’s campaign since October 7—still links Tehran to the Mediterranean through Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
Trump reaffirmed his hardline stance toward Tehran, stating that Iran “must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons,” as reported by Al Jazeera.
Stability Along Israel’s Eastern Borders
Another central issue discussed at the summit was security along Israel’s eastern frontier. In recent years, the presence of armed groups in southern Syria has raised concerns in Tel Aviv, and the latest operations near the Golan Heights have further heightened tensions. The White House now seeks to involve Damascus in a stabilization agreement that would ensure strict territorial control and reduce infiltrations by pro-Iranian or jihadist militias.
Israeli diplomatic sources, cited by the Times of Israel, confirm that the Netanyahu government is watching developments cautiously but with interest. In the longer term, Syria could potentially be invited to join the Abraham Accords, the normalization process between Israel and Arab states. While this remains a distant prospect, it highlights the potentially historic significance of this rapprochement.
Counterterrorism Cooperation and Diplomatic Reintegration
Beyond geopolitics, the meeting also resulted in operational agreements on security. Syria announced its accession to the Global Coalition Against ISIS, becoming its 90th member. In return, Washington promised technical support and shared intelligence, as well as opening a military cooperation channel at the Damascus airbase.
This move, according to Reuters, represents “a test of mutual trust” and could pave the way for a gradual normalization of diplomatic relations. The U.S. has already reopened a liaison office in Damascus, while the Syrian embassy in Washington has been authorized to resume some consular functions.
Economy and Reconstruction: Diplomacy Leveraged
Economic issues were also central to the discussions. Syria, devastated by over a decade of war, requires substantial capital to rebuild infrastructure, energy networks, and urban areas. Trump hinted that U.S. companies could participate in reconstruction projects, provided Damascus demonstrates “concrete progress on human rights and distancing from Tehran.”
The U.S. administration is also exploring the creation of a multilateral fund, with participation from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to finance reconstruction projects under international supervision, as reported by The Guardian.
A Fragile but Promising Balance
The Trump–al-Sharaa summit does not erase past fractures but opens a window of diplomatic opportunity few would have imagined months ago. Syria could become a key piece in a new regional balance, with the U.S. reclaiming a direct strategic role, Israel strengthening its security, and Iran’s regional influence being curtailed.
It remains to be seen whether this fragile rapprochement can withstand multiple pressures: Moscow’s wariness, Tehran’s rivalry, and Syria’s complex internal reality. Yet, for the first time after years of war and isolation, Damascus is no longer merely a problem but it may also be part of the solution.
