Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has received an invitation to visit the United States on June 14, marking a significant diplomatic engagement following his first visit to Washington months ago, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. A diplomatic source disclosed this information to AFP on Thursday.
This invitation coincides with Trump's recent suggestions that Syria could be asked to intervene against Hezbollah in Lebanon, a move that could alter the region's dynamics.
The diplomatic source, who requested anonymity, confirmed the invitation but did not clarify whether al-Sharaa will indeed travel to the U.S.
Second Visit
The invitation aligns with former President Trump's 80th birthday, who plans to host mixed martial arts fights at the White House for the occasion.
If it occurs, this visit would be al-Sharaa's second to the U.S. since taking office in December 2024, following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.
In November 2025, al-Sharaa became the first Syrian president to visit the White House since Syria's independence in 1946, meeting Trump then as well.
Since assuming power, al-Sharaa has been focused on mending Damascus' strained relations with the U.S., aiming to attract international backing for reconstruction efforts and economic recovery after over a decade of conflict. Syria also joined the international coalition against ISIS.
In reciprocity, Trump has taken several notable steps towards the new Syrian authorities, including lifting considerable sanctions.
"A Very Strong Leader"
Trump and al-Sharaa first met in Saudi Arabia during a visit to Gulf countries in May 2025. Trump later described al-Sharaa as "a very strong leader" with the potential to rebuild his country.
In a June 7 interview with NBC, Trump expressed his desire for "a better life for Lebanon," suggesting "a more precise attack on Hezbollah." He further stated, "We can help them with that, or we can recommend Syria."
Trump added that "Syria has done remarkably well getting back on track," and praised al-Sharaa for making substantial progress in a short time. "He will be happy to help," he noted regarding the situation in Lebanon.
According to a diplomatic source, also speaking anonymously, the U.S. has been pressuring Syria to take action against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon since the outbreak of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict on March 2, underscoring Syria's strategic position with its long shared border with Lebanon.