In a move that has captured global attention, former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a surprise diplomatic engagement aimed at reshaping Middle East alliances. During the high-level meeting, Trump reportedly encouraged Assad to consider establishing formal diplomatic relations with Israel — a bold step that, if realized, could mark a historic shift in the region.

Sources familiar with the talks suggest that Trump framed the potential normalization as part of a broader strategy for economic revival and regional stability. He reportedly pointed to the Abraham Accords, which saw several Arab nations normalize ties with Israel under his administration, as a blueprint for what could be achieved in Syria.

The meeting, which took place amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, signals Trump's ongoing influence in international affairs despite no longer holding office. It also reflects a continued push to bring longtime adversaries to the negotiating table — a hallmark of his foreign policy approach.

While the Syrian government has not released an official statement, insiders say discussions were preliminary and wide-ranging, with Trump emphasizing the potential economic benefits of improved regional ties.

Analysts remain cautious, noting that decades of hostility, unresolved territorial disputes, and Syria’s alliance with Iran pose significant hurdles. Still, the very fact that such a meeting occurred hints at a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics that could unfold in the months to come.

As Trump continues to position himself as a key power broker on the world stage, the outcome of this engagement could have lasting implications for Middle Eastern geopolitics.