Sharaa Urges End to Sanctions, Talks with U.S. and Israel

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, participating in a dialogue moderated by former CIA Director David Petraeus.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa used his appearance at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York to press for a new beginning in relations with Washington and the West, urging the lifting of long-standing sanctions and pledging reforms in a post-Assad Syria.

Speaking at Concordia Hall, where he engaged in a public dialogue with former CIA Director David Petraeus, Sharaa said Syria had entered “a new historical phase” after the fall of the Assad regime. He argued that sanctions, particularly the Caesar Act, were relics of the past and now disproportionately harmed ordinary Syrians.

“These sanctions were put on Syria because of the Assad regime since 1979… but this is a former regime, this is past. If these sanctions remain, they will be targeting the people and not the regime,” Sharaa said, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump had already taken steps toward easing restrictions but Congress needed to follow through.

Protection of Minorities and Rule of Law

Responding to Petraeus’s questions about sectarian attacks against Druze and Alawite communities, Sharaa acknowledged past failures but promised accountability.

“For the first time in 60 years, Syria has established fact-finding councils to look into these matters. Anybody who makes violations against civilians will be brought before the law,” he said.

He stressed that Syria’s future lay in equal citizenship and the rule of law rather than sectarian division.

Agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces

On relations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Sharaa said integration talks were ongoing but admitted delays in implementation. He emphasized the principle of a unified national army and pledged constitutional protection for Kurdish rights.

“Only the state can hold weapons… We offered the SDF integration into the Syrian army and assured them that Kurdish rights would be protected,” Sharaa noted, warning against any move that would risk Syria’s territorial unity.

On Israel and Regional Stability

In one of his most striking remarks, Sharaa addressed relations with Israel, reiterating Syria’s claim over the occupied Golan Heights but signaling openness to dialogue.

“We are working towards peace with Israel. Following the security agreement, we can discuss a relationship,” he said. “If the ceasefire succeeds and Israel adheres to what was agreed upon, negotiations may move forward.”

He accused Israel of carrying out over 1,000 attacks against Syrian territory in recent months but underlined that Syria, still in a “construction phase,” sought to avoid war and prioritize rebuilding.

A Call for a New Era

Sharaa framed Syria’s current path as a turning point: uniting citizens, rebuilding institutions, and seeking balanced international relations.

“Syria deserves a new opportunity at life… The priority now is to ensure security and stability by uniting the Syrian people and territory,” he said.

His participation in the UNGA includes bilateral meetings with world leaders, including a planned meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.