Syria Proposes Ukraine-Style Mineral Deal to Trump in Bid to Lift Sanctions

Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has extended a proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump, offering a minerals agreement aimed at easing international sanctions imposed on Syria. The proposed deal, reminiscent of a recent U.S.-Ukraine agreement, would allow American companies access to Syria’s abundant mineral resources, marking a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy.

The Gaze reports on this with reference to The Times.

Al-Sharaa, who assumed power after the ousting of Russian-backed dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, is seeking to end Syria’s years of isolation and the crippling sanctions that have impeded its economic recovery. As part of the proposed agreement, al-Sharaa has also suggested the construction of a Trump Tower in Damascus, signaling a move toward re-establishing Syria's relations with the West and attracting foreign investment.

The Syrian leader, who has a controversial past tied to his affiliation with Al-Qaeda and remains designated as a terrorist by the U.S., is reportedly requesting a meeting with President Trump during his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia this week. However, as of now, no official confirmation of such a meeting has been made.

On May 12, Trump suggested that he was open to easing some of the sanctions that were imposed on Syria during the Assad era, expressing a desire to provide Syria with a “fresh start.” This statement follows the successful conclusion of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, finalized on April 30, 2025, after lengthy negotiations. 

The U.S.-Ukraine agreement has opened the door for American firms to tap into Ukraine’s vast mineral reserves, including critical materials such as lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements. Furthermore, it established a Reconstruction Investment Fund jointly managed by Kyiv and Washington, which will focus on the development of Ukraine’s mineral sector, providing essential resources for both economic recovery and global supply chains.

Al-Sharaa’s offer to Trump reflects a broader shift in Syria’s foreign policy as it seeks to distance itself from Russian influence. The potential agreement signals a clear desire for economic reintegration and political engagement with the West. If the deal proceeds, it could pave the way for Syria’s gradual reentry into the global economic system and reshape the dynamics of regional and international diplomacy.

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