U.S. president says Iranians deserve a chance to rebuild, drawing parallels with recent Syria sanctions relief
In a move that could signal a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed willingness to lift economic sanctions on Iran, stating during a private White House dinner that the country deserves a “chance to rebuild.”
The remarks were made during a closed-door meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is in Washington for high-level talks on Middle East peace and security.
“The Iranian people are smart, energetic people,” President Trump was quoted as saying. “They’ve got potential, and I believe, at the right time, we could look at lifting some of those sanctions. They deserve a chance.”
Trump’s comments come as a surprise to many observers, given his administration’s historically hardline stance against Iran, particularly after his 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) the landmark nuclear deal negotiated under former President Obama.
Over the years, U.S.-imposed sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, restricted access to international markets, and led to rising inflation and unemployment inside the country.
However, Trump’s most recent comments reflect a potential softening, or at least a strategic reassessment, of America’s position toward Tehran especially as tensions in the Middle East remain high and new peace dynamics emerge among regional players.
Syria Parallels: A Shift Already in Motion
Sources also confirmed that President Trump referenced his recent decision to ease certain sanctions on Syria, after appeals from several Middle Eastern leaders, including Netanyahu.
“I’ve lifted some sanctions on Syria already,” Trump reportedly said. “There are leaders in the region asking for this Bibi included. So we’re looking at Iran too.”
This admission raises questions about behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving the U.S., Israel, and other Gulf allies, possibly aimed at creating a more stable and cooperative regional framework.
While Netanyahu has historically supported tough action on Iran, analysts say his influence in this matter might be more nuanced.
Global Reactions and Strategic Implications
The remarks are already causing a stir in diplomatic circles. European officials have welcomed the possibility of renewed dialogue, while Iranian state media cautiously noted the president’s words as a “positive sign.”
In Washington, reactions have been mixed. Some Republican lawmakers applauded the potential for de-escalation, while others warned against “rewarding a regime with a history of defiance.”
What’s Next?
Whether President Trump’s comments reflect a fully developed policy or a spontaneous gesture remains unclear. However, insiders say talks are already taking place behind the scenes among diplomats, with a view to exploring phased relief tied to concrete actions from Tehran.
If realized, such a policy could reshape regional power balances, recalibrate U.S.-Iran relations, and potentially breathe new life into the diplomatic frameworks abandoned earlier in Trump’s presidency.
