President Donald Trump at GCC Summit in Riyadh Calls on Iran to End Support for Terrorism

President Donald Trump at GCC Summit in Riyadh Calls on Iran to End Support for Terrorism

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | May 14, 2025 — At the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he seeks a deal to halt Iran’s nuclear program, but with strict conditions — namely, that Tehran must cease its support for terrorist proxy groups.

Speaking at the summit organized under the initiative of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump said, “Iran must stop sponsoring terrorism, end its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably stop pursuing nuclear weapons. They must never be allowed to have a nuclear bomb.”

Trump added that the U.S. and Iran have held four rounds of talks since the beginning of last month. He expressed optimism about a possible agreement but warned, “This window is closing fast.”

Trump urged Iran to end its support for Hamas (in Gaza), Hezbollah (in Lebanon), and the Houthis (in Yemen). “These groups are Iran’s proxies, and they are suffering repeated setbacks — especially Hezbollah, which has lost its top leadership in the war with Israel,” he said.

Meeting with Syria’s New President and Lifting Sanctions

On the sidelines of the GCC summit, Trump met with Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharar, a former U.S. detainee who later became a leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

Following the meeting, Trump announced, “The sanctions imposed on Syria are being lifted. These sanctions had crippled their economy. This is now a major opportunity for reconstruction.”

The meeting was attended directly by Saudi Crown Prince bin Salman and virtually by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Background on Al-Sharar and Previous U.S. Stance

Al-Sharar, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, had fought against U.S. forces in Iraq and led the al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria. He later formed HTS and cut ties with al-Qaeda. At one point, the U.S. offered a $10 million reward for information on his whereabouts.

Both the Biden and Trump administrations had maintained sanctions on HTS and al-Sharar, citing concerns over their activities.

Controversy Around Trump’s Qatar Visit

Following the GCC summit, Trump is scheduled to visit Qatar, where he will receive a state welcome. However, the visit has sparked controversy — particularly over Qatar’s reported offer of a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a gift.

There are discussions that this aircraft could serve as an alternative to Air Force One. Critics have labeled it “an unusually extravagant gift from a foreign government.” Trump stated that instead of using the jet, he will donate it to his Presidential Library.

Qatar’s Political Climate and International Scrutiny

During Trump’s visit, Qatar’s political system and history of corruption have also come under international discussion. Qatar is an authoritarian state where political parties are banned, and freedom of speech is strictly controlled.