Trump: Recognizing Sharaa's Syrian government 'right thing to do,' lifting sanctions gives them chance

US President Donald Trump says recognizing Syria’s new government under Ahmed al-Sharaa and ending sanctions on the country was “the right thing to do.”

He adds he doesn’t know if Israel didn’t want him to hold back on recognition, and did not consult with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the matter.

“Look, we want Syria to succeed. It’s been a mess for 10 years,” he says. “These were very biting. When you look at the sanctions, these were really brutal, and they would have, I would say, zero chance of success. And this way, they have a chance, and their leader is a strong person, but young, and a lot of energy and wants to do a good job.”