US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism during remarks to journalists after the NATO summit in Ankara. Speaking ahead of his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Trump said he would take this step.
Decision to remove Syria from the list
When asked about removing Syria from the list, Trump replied, "I think I will do it. Why wouldn't I? (Al-Sharaa) has done a very good job. That's a good question. I think we should do it. Yes, I will remove (Syria from the list)." On whether Syria could help with Lebanon and Hezbollah, he said, "They could help. We'll see. We are making great progress on this."
Praise for Turkey and Israel relations
Trump listed his praise for Turkey. "(Erdoğan) is not a friend of Netanyahu, they don't get along well. But you know, for me (Erdoğan) has been a great person. Turkey has been a wonderful ally. Also a NATO country," he said. Highlighting his contributions to Israel, Trump stated, "If I weren't the US President, Israel wouldn't exist today."
Iran's nuclear program and oil prices
Stating that Iran must be denuclearized, Trump said, "(Iran) will never have a nuclear weapon. They have accepted that they will never have one. But they always behave badly. There is a problem with them." Touching on oil prices, Trump said, "Every time we hit Iran, oil prices go up a little."
Assessments on Lebanon and the European Union
Trump said he discussed with Netanyahu the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, and commented, "Yes, I think they will do it. I think they want to. I think it's a great thing for them to get along well with Lebanon and make deals with Lebanon." Repeating his criticism of the European Union, Trump said, "We'll see what happens with the EU. They have taken advantage of us for years. The problem is they have taken advantage of the US for years. Just like (Al-Sharaa). They also took advantage of Syria. He is bringing (Syria) back, and I am bringing the US back."
Targeting the former US administration, Trump said of Al-Sharaa, "If he had come to Washington a year and a half ago, he would have feared for his life because (Washington) was very dangerous."
