Speaking in Riyadh, U.S. President Donald Trump laid out a sweeping foreign policy vision, pledging to lift sanctions on Syria following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 

Trump also criticized the Biden administration, reaffirmed his opposition to war, and stressed a desire for stability and prosperity in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a wide-ranging speech in Riyadh on Tuesday, declaring his intent to lift sanctions on Syria and presenting a foreign policy vision centered on diplomacy, economic development, and military restraint.

“I’m calling for the lifting of sanctions to give Syria a chance,” Trump said. “After discussing the issue with the Saudi Crown Prince, I decided to lift sanctions on Syria. It’s time to give Syria a chance. I wish them success.”

Trump’s remarks come after a high-level meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He announced that his Secretary of State would meet with his Syrian counterpart, signaling potential re-engagement with Damascus.

Turning to broader regional issues, Trump reiterated his opposition to military conflict. “I don’t like war,” he said. “We have the best military in the world, but I don’t like using it. I will not hesitate to use force to defend the United States or our allies, but peace is always preferable.”

He sharply criticized the Biden administration, calling it “the worst in our country’s history,” and argued that under his leadership, certain global crises would have been averted. “If I were president, Putin wouldn’t have invaded Ukraine,” he said.

On Iran, Trump reaffirmed a hardline stance: “Iran will never get nuclear weapons. They have done a lot to protect the Assad regime in Syria, but we remain committed to preventing their nuclear ambitions.”

He also reflected on past tensions in South Asia. “Millions of people could have died in the conflict between India and Pakistan,” he noted, without elaborating.

Concluding his speech, Trump emphasized his long-term vision for the region. “We want the Middle East to be defined by trade, not chaos—by technology exports, not terrorism,” he said.

The remarks underscore Trump’s desire to reassert U.S. influence in the Middle East through a blend of diplomacy, strong alliances, and selective engagement, while distancing himself from prolonged military interventions.