WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – In a historic diplomatic move, President Donald Trump is set to welcome Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to the White House. This will mark the first visit by a Syrian leader to the U.S. presidential residence, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The official, who is not authorized to speak publicly before the official announcement, indicated that the meeting is scheduled for November 10. This engagement signifies a potential shift in U.S.-Syria relations, which have been strained for decades.

Previously, Trump and al-Sharaa met in Saudi Arabia in May, marking the first interaction between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years. This encounter could be pivotal for Syria, as it seeks to reintegrate into the global community after years of isolation under the Assad regime.

The meeting took place during Trump’s discussions with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, symbolizing a significant diplomatic turn for Syria as it navigates its post-Assad era. The country’s political landscape is still adapting after decades of authoritarian rule.

Notably, al-Sharaa was once a target of U.S. sanctions, with a $10 million bounty on his head, underscoring the complexity and potential significance of this diplomatic engagement.

Under the nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa had ties to al-Qaida and joined insurgents battling U.S. forces in Iraq before entering the Syrian war. He was even imprisoned by U.S. troops there for several years.