Syrian President al-Sharaa holds phone call with Trump

(Patria) - Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. They discussed support for the Syrian economy and the latest regional developments, the Syrian presidency said on Sunday, Reuters reported.

During the call, Sharaa said that lifting the remaining U.S. sanctions on Syria is crucial for reviving the economy and attracting investments, the statement said.

The United States says some sanctions remain in place despite the lifting of most sanctions on Syria and the repeal of the Caesar Act, which imposed comprehensive measures on individuals, companies and institutions linked to former President Bashar al-Assad.

Washington says sanctions will continue to target Assad and his associates, as well as alleged human rights violators, traffickers of the addictive stimulant Captagon, and other actors it claims destabilize the region.

The United States has said it is reviewing Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which carries restrictions on U.S. aid, exports of defense equipment and certain financial transactions.

Lifting the remaining sanctions is widely seen as key to the success of the new Syrian government. Several Saudi firms plan billion-dollar investments in the country as part of Riyadh's efforts to support its recovery, while other Gulf states have also pledged financial assistance.