Syria’s leader praises Trump, talks peace with Israel

Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa says Israel and Syria have common enemies, says US President Donald Trump is a “man of peace.”

By Lauren Marcus, World Israel News

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa praised US President Donald Trump during an interview with a Jewish media outlet, adding that peace between Israel and Syria may be on the horizon.

Al-Sharaa spoke with a Jewish Journal reporter in the Presidential Palace in Syria, marking the first time that a Syrian ruler has given an interview to an identifiably Jewish media outlet.

During much of the interview, Al-Sharaa focused on the economic challenges faced by Syria after years of a bloody civil war, stressing the importance of restoring the Levantine country’s supply chains and manufacturing.

But Al-Sharaa also touched on longstanding tensions between Israel and Syria, suggesting that the countries could partner together for regional stability.

“I want to be clear. The era of endless tit-for-tat bombings must end,” Al-Sharaa told the Journal.

“No nation prospers when its skies are filled with fear. The reality is, [Israel and Syria] have common enemies — and we can play a major role in regional security.”

The Syrian leader also offered effusive praise for Trump, who expressed support for Al-Sharaa after the pair recently met at a conference in the Gulf.

“However, the media portrays him, I see him as a man of peace,” Al-Sharaa said of Trump.

“We’ve both been shot at by the same enemy. Trump understands leverage, strength, and outcomes. Syria needs an honest broker who can reset the conversation. If there is a possibility of alignment that helps bring stability to the region — and security to the U.S. and its allies — I am ready to have that conversation,” he continued.

Trump is the “only man capable of fixing this region, bringing us together, one brick at a time,” he added.

Al-Sharaa also pledged to combat growing Russian, Chinese, and Turkish influence in Syria.

“We will not be a pawn. Nor will we be a fortress. We will be a state that governs with legitimacy, not just control,” he said.

The Syrian president said American support would be key for ensuring that Syria maintains its sovereignty.

We want the US to partner with us — in governance, in anti-corruption, in building institutions based on honesty and integrity,” Al-Sharaa said.