Syrian President al-Sharaa Expected in Türkiye During NATO Summit

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is expected to visit Ankara next month, around the time Türkiye hosts a NATO summit.

The Syrian leader could arrive for sideline talks during the July 7-8 gathering, according to individuals familiar with the matter who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.

On the Sidelines of NATO Summit

While al-Sharaa’s trip is not officially linked to the NATO summit, sideline meetings are expected to elevate his international profile.

Alliance leaders may use the opportunity to discuss regional security, terrorism, and Syria’s post-war rehabilitation.

Since ousting Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, al-Sharaa has emerged as a more moderate figure.

The U.S. and European nations have actively sought to draw Damascus closer to Western orbits to counter the influence of Iran and Russia.

Amid Rising Tensions

The diplomatic maneuvering in Ankara coincides with heightened regional volatility.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently expressed frustration with Israeli military operations against Hezbollah.

Trump suggested that Damascus might be better positioned to neutralize the Lebanese group.

Israeli operations have complicated U.S.-Iran peace talks and threaten to reignite a broader conflict.

In response, al-Sharaa stated that Syria could support Lebanese stability by strengthening state institutions and establishing closer ties to Hezbollah.

However, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported that the president firmly ruled out direct military involvement.

Internal and External Challenges

Al-Sharaa’s administration has already weakened Iran-aligned groups operating within Syria.

His removal of Assad disrupted a critical supply route used to transport Iranian arms to Hezbollah, a group that previously fought alongside Assad’s forces.

Despite these shifts, Damascus faces significant internal challenges.

The Syrian state remains burdened by severe economic constraints, sectarian divisions, threats from Daesh, and unresolved territorial disputes.