They may join a group meeting that includes officials from the Gulf states, Palestine and Lebanon.
The Times has reported that Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the transitional administration in Syria, is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The newspaper said the likelihood of such a meeting has grown significantly, with the possibility that al-Sharaa and Trump will join a broader gathering that includes officials from Gulf states, Palestine, and Lebanon. However, the report noted that Trump’s advisers are reportedly divided on whether the meeting should take place.
According to The Times, al-Sharaa is seeking to pressure the United States to ease sanctions on Syria by offering Washington access to Syrian natural resources. The report added that the Syrian official is also attempting to mirror the rare earth elements deal previously signed between the U.S. and Ukraine, in hopes of gaining Trump’s interest.
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Among the incentives reportedly offered by al-Sharaa is the prospect of constructing a “Trump Tower” in Damascus, which has reportedly caught the U.S. President’s attention.
Separately, Reuters reported on Sunday, May 11, that American businessman Jonathan Bass is attempting to facilitate a meeting between al-Sharaa and President Trump during the latter’s upcoming visit to the Gulf region.
Citing multiple informed sources, Reuters said al-Sharaa is actively pursuing a rapprochement with Washington. His offer reportedly includes access to Syrian oil and gas fields, a potential real estate project bearing the Trump brand in Damascus, and alignment with Israel, steps seen as part of a broader effort to meet U.S. conditions for easing sanctions.
According to the sources, al-Sharaa is following a calculated strategy aimed at securing a direct meeting with Trump during his Gulf tour.
Reuters added that Bass is optimistic the meeting could mark a turning point in U.S.-Syrian relations and help reduce escalating tensions between Syria and Israel. He is said to be drawing on Trump’s history of unconventional diplomacy, including his 2019 summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“Al-Sharaa wants a trade deal for a better future for his country,” Bass told Reuters, adding that such an agreement could include energy development, cooperation against Iran, and engagement with Israel.
