US President Donald Trump speaks at the Saudi-American Investment Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 13 May 2025: Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters
US President Donald Trump said that it was thanks to the actions of the US side that Israeli hostages held by terrorists were rescued. Now, according to him, about 20 people are still alive, and the United States will continue operations to rescue them. This was reported by The Jerusalem Post.
“Without the United States, these hostages would not be alive. There are about 20 of them, and we will release them gradually,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One.
“Israel fought for a long time, we deserve recognition too”
The President also praised Israel’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and emphasised the important role of the US intelligence services:
“Israel fought for a long time. They deserve recognition. But so do my people,” Trump said.
Lifting sanctions on Syria and a new diplomatic front
Among his unexpected decisions, Trump announced the lifting of sanctions against Syria. He explained this step by positive contacts with regional leaders, primarily Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“I had great conversations with Erdogan and bin Salman. They believe this is an important moment,” he said.
In Riyadh, Trump also met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sha’ar. The United States called on Damascus:
- join the Abrahamic Covenants and normalise relations with Israel;
- deport foreign and Palestinian fighters from Syrian territory;
- to help prevent the resurgence of ISIS;
- take responsibility for the detention of Islamists in camps in the north-east of the country.
Visit to Qatar: a new stage in US regional diplomacy
After Riyadh, Trump travelled to Qatar, the first visit by an American president to the country since George W. Bush.
