Hamadeh Praises Trump's Promise to Lift Syria Sanctions

Representative Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ) praised President Donald Trump's recent intentions to lift the longstanding sanctions on Syria, calling it "a historic step toward advancing peace through strength in the Middle East."

President Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the Saudi-US investment forum, saying the sanctions relief would "give them a chance at greatness."

As part of the deal, Trump requested al-Sharaa to sign the Abraham Accords, expel all foreign terrorists, including those affiliated with Hamas and Hezbollah, and continue overseeing imprisoned members of the Islamic State (ISIS) and prevent the group's resurgence.

"President Trump’s bold decision to lift sanctions on Syria marks a historic step toward advancing peace through strength in the Middle East," said Rep. Hamadeh in his press release, adding, "By working with key partners like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, removing sanctions lays crucial groundwork for a broader regional realignment—one that builds on the promise of the Abraham Accords and puts American leadership back at the center of global diplomacy."

Moreover, Rep. Hamadeh called stabilizing Syria "a strategic imperative" that "opens the door for progress, reconciliation, and long-term security, all without sacrificing American strength or values."

Ahmed al-Sharaa came into power in Syria after the long-running regime of Bashar al-Assad collapsed in December, depriving Iran of a strategic ally in the Levant.

The Arizona Congressman previously said "opportunity" in the aftermath of Assad's downfall in a discussion with radio host James Harris, saying, "The opportunity also is that we have now cut off that landline from Iran all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. Remember, Iran has assets in Iraq, they had assets in Syria, they had assets in Lebanon."

Later in December, Hamadeh urged Turkey (Turkiye) to cease its attacks on pro-US Kurdish forces in the country.

"For decades, Turkey has been a strategic partner, but hosting groups like Hamas without clear steps toward dismantling their operations undermines that relationship," Hamadeh said in comments to Fox News Digital, adding, "Turkey must seize this opportunity to demonstrate it is committed to fighting terror, not enabling it."