Syrian leader al-Sharaa may propose Ukraine-style mineral deal to Trump
Abu Mohammad al-Julani (Ahmed al-Sharaa), Syrian leader (Getty Images)
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa may offer Washington access to the country's oil and gas fields, inspired by the recent mineral deal between Ukraine and the United States, according to Reuters and The Times.
Syrian authorities preparing proposals for Washington
According to Western media, the Syrian leader may also propose building a Trump Tower in Damascus in honor of the US president.
Additionally, al-Sharaa's strategic plan reportedly includes efforts to ease tensions with Israel.
Several sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that these proposals are part of the Syrian leader's broader attempt to secure a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump during his upcoming trip to the Middle East.
On April 30, pro-Trump American activist Jonathan Bass met with al-Sharaa for four hours in Damascus. Along with Syrian activists and representatives of Arab states from the Persian Gulf, Bass has been trying to organize what has been described as a "symbolic — though highly unlikely" meeting between the two leaders this week.
Damascus' efforts to ease US sanctions
These efforts come amid Damascus' attempts to meet conditions set by Washington for lifting US sanctions. The current restrictions have cut Syria off from the global financial system and made economic recovery extremely difficult after 14 years of war.
On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced he was open to easing sanctions on Syria in response to a request from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who has expressed support for the Syrian leader.
It is worth noting that al-Sharaa is still designated by the US as a terrorist due to his past ties to al-Qaeda. He also spent five years in US custody.
According to Jonathan Bass, the Syrian leader "wants a business deal for the future of his country." He added that such a deal could include energy cooperation, collaboration against Iran, and engagement with Israel.
"He told me he wants a Trump Tower in Damascus. He wants peace with his neighbors. What he told me is good for the region, good for Israel," Bass said.
Syrian officials and representatives of the White House did not respond to requests from Western media for comment on the possibility of such a deal.
Reuters also noted that on Sunday, al-Sharaa spoke with Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A source close to the Syrian leader said that a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa "remains possible" in Saudi Arabia.
US position on sanctions against Syria
Last month, Washington stated that it considers the steps taken by Damascus insufficient for lifting sanctions — particularly with regard to the US demand to remove foreign fighters from senior positions in the Syrian military, according to Western media reports.
Recently, White House National Security Council spokesperson James Hewitt said that the actions of Syria's interim authorities will determine future US support or the potential easing of sanctions.
Media reveal other possible moves by Damascus
Sources within security services told The Times that al-Sharaa may propose initiating talks with the US to join the set of agreements on normalization between Arab countries and Israel, already signed by the UAE and Bahrain.
According to the British newspaper, the Syrian leader may also agree to the establishment of a "demilitarized zone" in the country or allow Israel to maintain a security presence in southwestern Syria.
In recent days French President Emmanuel Macron promised Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa a gradual lifting of EU sanctions. The French president also plans to urge the United States to do the same.
At the end of December last year, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus and held talks with Syrian leader al-Sharaa. The minister stated that Ukraine is ready to assist Syria, as it is interested in strengthening bilateral cooperation.
