Syria's President Who Overthrew Assad Has Arrived In Washington, D.C.

• 21.09.2025, 15:58

This is the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the United States since 1967.

Transitional Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa arrived in Washington on Sunday, September 21, to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Syria TV reported. This is the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the US since 1967.

Ahmed al-Sharaa is accompanied by a delegation of at least four ministers. The visit is planned to last five days. According to the TV channel, the president will meet with the Syrian community in the US later on Sunday evening.

Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit will also be able to discuss the restoration of diplomatic relations between Syria and the US, including the opening of an embassy in Washington. In addition, the president is expected to deliver a speech to the General Assembly, in which he will outline his vision for a new Syria, Syria TV writes.

Al-Sharaa has led Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in January 2025. He heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which played a key role in toppling the regime. Bashar al-Assad, along with his family, has been granted asylum in Russia. Moscow has maintained diplomatic contacts with the new Syrian authorities.

In mid-May, Trump met with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia. CNN, citing a senior Saudi official, wrote that the meeting was "extremely positive on all levels." Earlier, the U.S. leader said he would lift sanctions on the Arab Republic to "give it a chance at greatness."

Since 2013, al-Sharaa has been on the U.S. list of high-risk terrorists. A $10 million reward has been set for assistance in his capture.

The U.S. closed the Syrian embassy in Washington, as well as consulates in Texas and Michigan in March 2014. The steps were taken in response to the Syrian government's decision to suspend consular services by the Syrian embassy.