Wed May 14 15:59:55 UTC 2025: ## Trump Urges Iran to Deal, Meets with Former Al-Qaeda Leader
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – May 14, 2025** – During a visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Iran to cease its support for proxy groups and halt its nuclear program, stating he urgently wants to “make a deal” to end the nuclear standoff. Speaking to Gulf leaders, Trump insisted Iran must stop sponsoring terror, end proxy wars, and verifiably abandon nuclear weapons development.
His remarks come amid ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding its nuclear program, although Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed skepticism about U.S. intentions. Trump warned Iran to “make the right decision” regarding its nuclear program, hinting at potential consequences.
In a surprising move, President Trump also met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former insurgent leader with ties to al-Qaeda. Al-Sharaa recently rose to power after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, seized Damascus. Trump praised al-Sharaa as “young” and “attractive,” and pledged to lift sanctions on Syria, a decision encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prince Mohammed believes this will alleviate suffering and spur a new chapter for Syria.
Al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, was previously wanted by the U.S. for his ties to al-Qaeda. His meeting with President Trump signals a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Syria. Trump’s Middle East tour continues with visits to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
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