An end to U.S. sanctions on Syria is expected to mark a new era for an economy devastated by 13 years of war, opening the way for investment flows from the Syrian diaspora, Turkey, and Gulf states that back the new government.

President Trump says he will move to normalize relations and lift sanctions on Syria's new government to give the country "a chance at peace."

Assad, business owners have been waiting for Washington to ease sanctions and pave the way for an economic renewal.

P resident Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, May 13, that he plans to end the U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria, which have been in place for over 45 years. Announcing the news on the first day of his Middle East tour, during the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, Trump said he would be lifting sanctions “in order to give them [Syria] greatness.”

President Donald Trump has met with Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. It's the first such encounter between the two nations’ leaders in 25 years.

"He's got the potential - he's a real leader," Trump said on Air Force One after meeting Syrian Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Shara, who once led a branch of Al Qaeda, was the first time in 25 years that the leaders of the United States and Syria had met.

Syria's interim president on Wednesday praised US President Donald Trump's decision to lift sanctions on the country.

"We want to want to be sure that he is not a terrorist anymore," senior Israeli official told Newsweek of Syria's Ahmad al-Sharaa.