Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has made his first trip abroad to Saudi Arabia, aiming to signal the country’s shift away from Iran as its main regional ally. Al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaida sympathizer, arrived in Riyadh alongside foreign minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
The move comes after Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group led a successful December lightning offensive against the Islamic State, marking a significant shift in the country’s dynamics. HTS has since carefully managed its public image, maintaining ties with various populations and keeping Iran and Russia at arm’s length.
Saudi Arabia, which previously backed insurgent groups that aimed to topple former president Bashar al-Assad, now appears to be seeking to lift crippling sanctions on Syria. This could potentially cement Sharaa’s relationship with Riyadh, following Saudi Arabia’s restoration of ties with Assad in 2023 alongside most of the Arab world.
However, challenges remain for Sharaa’s government, including conflicts with militant groups like the Islamic State. A recent car bomb explosion in Manbij killed four civilians and wounded nine, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/02/syrian-leader-lands-in-saudi-arabia-for-first-foreign-visit-since-toppling-assad