Left to right: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US President Donald Trump and Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa meet in Riyadh, on 14 May 2025 (White House press secretary/X)
| Published May 17, 2025
A significant diplomatic revelation emerged when U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen disclosed during a Senate hearing that Jordan’s King Abdullah II had warned the United States against considering the assassination of Syria’s new interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. This cautionary advice was reportedly conveyed prior to President Donald Trump’s unexpected meeting with al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Senator Shaheen expressed concern over discussions within certain U.S. foreign policy circles about the possibility of targeting al-Sharaa. King Abdullah II emphasized that such an action could plunge Syria back into civil war, undermining efforts to stabilize the region.
President Trump’s engagement with al-Sharaa marked a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy. Following their meeting, Trump praised al-Sharaa as a “young, attractive guy” and announced the lifting of longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a move toward normalizing relations.
This development underscores the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy and the delicate balance of power in the region. It highlights the influential role of regional leaders like King Abdullah II in shaping U.S. foreign policy decisions, especially concerning sensitive matters such as leadership transitions in neighboring countries.
The revelation that Jordan’s King Abdullah II warned the U.S. against assassinating Syria’s new interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has several significant implications:
1. Regional Stability:
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Preventing Civil War: King Abdullah’s warning highlights concerns that eliminating Syria’s interim leader could destabilize the country, potentially reigniting civil conflict.
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Influence of Regional Leaders: The episode underscores Jordan’s diplomatic influence, with King Abdullah positioning himself as a key mediator in Middle Eastern affairs.
2. U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts:
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From Isolation to Engagement: President Trump’s direct meeting with al-Sharaa and subsequent praise represent a sharp shift from the U.S. policy of isolating Syria.
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Sanctions Relief: The lifting of U.S. sanctions on Syria could pave the way for renewed diplomatic and economic relations, altering regional dynamics.
3. Diplomatic Tensions:
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U.S.-Jordan Relations Strengthened: King Abdullah’s diplomatic intervention may have strengthened ties between Washington and Amman, demonstrating mutual trust.
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Strained U.S.-Syrian Opposition Ties: Syrian opposition groups may view the U.S. outreach to al-Sharaa as a betrayal, weakening their faith in American support.
4. Risk of Escalation:
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Targeting Foreign Leaders: Discussions of assassination as a policy tool raise ethical and legal concerns, potentially damaging U.S. credibility.
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Regional Proxy Conflicts: If Syria’s leadership were targeted, it could trigger proxy conflicts involving Iran, Russia, and other regional powers.
5. Humanitarian Consequences:
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Civilians at Risk: Renewed conflict in Syria would inevitably worsen the humanitarian situation, increasing displacement and suffering.
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Diplomatic Pressure for Stability: King Abdullah’s intervention may encourage diplomatic efforts to maintain peace rather than escalate violence.
Overall Takeaway:
King Abdullah II’s warning against assassinating Syria’s interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa highlights the delicate balance of power in the Middle East, where hasty decisions can trigger chaos. The incident reveals the significant diplomatic influence of regional leaders like Jordan’s king and underscores the risks of using assassination as a foreign policy tool. It also marks a notable shift in U.S. policy under Trump, moving from isolating Syria to direct engagement, with potential regional and global consequences.
SOURCES: ZEROHEDGE – Jordan’s King Warned US Against Assassinating Syria’s Sharaa Before Trump Meeting
FIRSTPOST – Jordan king warned US against assassinating Syria’s Sharaa before Trump meeting: Report
MIDDLE EAST EYE – Jordan’s king warned US against assassinating Syria’s Sharaa before Trump meeting
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