Syria Joins US-Led Coalition to Combat IS Group
11th Nov. 2025
In a major diplomatic development, Syria has agreed to join the US-led international coalition aimed at defeating the Islamic State (IS) group, signaling a dramatic shift in US foreign policy toward the Middle East. The announcement followed a historic meeting between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, marking the first-ever official visit by a Syrian leader to Washington.
Speaking on Fox News, al-Sharaa described his visit as the beginning of a “new era” of cooperation with the United States. The agreement makes Syria the 90th nation to join the global alliance working to eradicate IS remnants and prevent the resurgence of extremist groups across the region.
The meeting underscored a significant turnaround in Washington’s stance toward al-Sharaa, who was until recently listed as a terrorist by the US government. Following talks, a senior administration official confirmed that several economic restrictions on Syria would soon be lifted, including a temporary 180-day suspension of the Caesar Act, which had sanctioned the former Syrian regime since 2019.
Additionally, the US Treasury, State, and Commerce Departments are expected to announce measures to ease investment barriers and provide “compliance clarity” to international investors. “We want to see Syria become a country that’s very successful,” Trump told reporters. “And I think this leader can do it. I really do.”
Diplomatic ties between the US and Syria, severed since 2012, are also being restored. Syria will now reopen its embassy in Washington, further symbolizing a thaw in relations. This latest meeting follows earlier encounters between the two presidents at the Gulf Cooperation Council and the UN General Assembly, underscoring growing diplomatic engagement.
Future of US-Syria Cooperation
In his interview, al-Sharaa emphasized that discussions with Trump focused on “the present and the future,” describing Syria as a potential “geopolitical and economic partner” of the US.
Al-Sharaa’s rise to international legitimacy represents a striking transformation. Once associated with Al-Qaeda and later the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, he was only removed from the US terrorist list last week. Since assuming the Syrian presidency, he has sought to rebuild the war-torn nation and rebrand his image.
While his leadership remains controversial due to ongoing sectarian tensions and allegations of human rights abuses, both leaders appear committed to stabilizing Syria. Trump’s administration maintains that Syria’s progress will be closely monitored, particularly regarding counterterrorism efforts and potential normalization with Israel.
Web Resources on Syria Joins US-Led Coalition
1. Reuters.com: Trump vows to do everything he can to help Syria after landmark talks with Sharaa
2. BBC.com: Syria to join US-led coalition to defeat IS group after Trump meeting
3. AcademicBlock.com: Syrian Civil War, Proxy Conflicts and Refugee Crisis