"They're tough, they're fighters": Trump describes Houthis
US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he will lift sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, stating the move is intended to “give them a chance at greatness.”
The announcement came during his speech at a high-profile investment forum in Saudi Arabia, where Trump emphasized renewed partnerships and stability in the region.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump said, noting the decision followed discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
About Yemen, Trump said that the US launched over 1,100 strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, which he said ultimately forced the group to back down.
"We have the best weapons in the world, but we don't want to use them," Trump stated. "However, if you threaten America or our partners, you'll be met with overwhelming strength."
He added that, for the first time, the Houthis responded by saying, "We don't want this anymore," acknowledging their reputation as tough fighters but emphasizing that decisive American force changed their tone.
Trump also delivered a pointed message to Iran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations, warning that it was “a time to choose.” While expressing his willingness to strike a deal, Trump made clear that the US would never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.
“If Iran’s leadership rejects this olive branch and continues to attack their neighbors, then we will have no choice but to inflict massive, maximum pressure,” he said. “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”
Talks, led by US envoy Steve Witkoff and mediated by Oman, have gone through four rounds, with more expected. Trump underscored that this offer of diplomacy would not remain on the table indefinitely.
President Trump also voiced optimism that Saudi Arabia will eventually join the Abraham Accords — the normalization agreements between Israeli Occupation and several Arab nations initiated under his previous term — though he acknowledged that the kingdom would move “in its own time.” Crown Prince Mohammed has reiterated that Saudi normalization with "Israel" depends on a pathway to Palestinian statehood and a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.
During his address, Trump praised Saudi leadership and highlighted new bilateral agreements, including a $600 billion Saudi investment commitment to the US, part of which includes a $142 billion defense partnership. He is expected to continue his regional tour with stops in Qatar and the UAE.
