Speech at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum
Warning of "maximum pressure" on Iran if nuclear restraint is not shown
Secures $600 billion in deals during Saudi Arabia visit
During his Middle East tour, U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement on May 13 (local time) that the United States would lift all sanctions against Syria. This signals a complete reversal of longstanding U.S. policy and the removal of decades-old sanctions. In contrast, he has increased pressure on Iran, which is currently engaged in nuclear negotiations.
President Trump made this announcement at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, stating, "We will suspend sanctions to give Syria the opportunity to become a great nation once again."
He said, "Syria is a country that has suffered horrific tragedy and death for a long time, and now a new government has taken office," adding, "I hope this government will stabilize Syria and maintain peace." He continued, "For the first time in over a decade, our administration has taken the first step toward restoring normal relations between the United States and Syria."
The United States designated Syria as a "state sponsor of terrorism" in 1979. Additional sanctions were imposed in 2004 and 2011 when the regime of Bashar al-Assad cracked down on anti-government protests. However, in December last year, the Assad regime collapsed following airstrikes by anti-Assad militias, and Syria is now governed by an interim government led by Ahmed Alshara.
President Trump emphasized, "Now it is their (Syria's) time to shine," and added, "We will remove all of those (sanctions)."
In contrast, he delivered a message to Iran, which is currently engaged in nuclear negotiations, urging the dismantlement of its nuclear program.
President Trump said, "Take action in any way," warning that if Iran does not restrain its nuclear program, it will face "tremendous maximum pressure." He further cautioned, "This offer will not last forever."
Meanwhile, during his four-day Middle East tour, President Trump secured a package of deals worth $600 billion (approximately 850 trillion won) from Saudi Arabia, the first country he visited.
On this day, he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and signed a strategic economic partnership agreement that includes $600 billion in investment, exports, and enhanced security cooperation. As part of this agreement, U.S. defense companies signed defense equipment export contracts with Saudi Arabia worth $142 billion. Saudi company DataVolt will invest $20 billion to establish artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and infrastructure in the United States. In advanced technology sectors, Saudi and American companies will jointly invest $80 billion. According to the White House, the total investment attracted to the U.S. and the value of American exports to Saudi Arabia resulting from this cooperation amounts to $600 billion. The United States will also provide military training and other support to strengthen the capabilities of the Saudi military.
After the talks, President Trump stated, "Through this visit, we have secured over $1 trillion in additional Saudi investment and product purchases," adding, "With the help of the people of the Middle East, those present here, and our regional partners, a golden era for the Middle East can move forward with us."
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