Syria is attempting to secure a meeting with US President Donald Trump during his Middle East tour to gain sanctions relief, Reuters reported on May 12.

According to sources familiar with the diplomatic initiative, Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's outreach includes proposals for a Trump Tower in Damascus, improved relations with Israel, and offering US access to Syria's energy resources.

Jonathan Bass, an American pro-Trump supportor who recently met with Sharaa in Damascus, has been working alongside Syrian groups and Persian Gulf states to arrange what would be a landmark meeting between the leaders as part of the US' leaders' first foreign trip to the reigon.

"Sharaa wants a business deal for the future of his country," Bass said, noting the proposal encompasses "energy exploitation, cooperation against Iran and engagement with Israel."

Bass added: "He told me he wants a Trump Tower in Damascus. He wants peace with his neighbours. What he told me is good for the region, good for Israel."

The new Turkish-backed Syrian regime, which came into power in January, has struggled to attract investment as it continues to battle with ongoing insurgencies and challenges to its rule since taking power from former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Human rights organisations have raised concerns that foreign countries could be supporting the ethnic cleansing of Alawites, Druze and other minorities in the country. 

Syria has faced challenges meeting Washington's conditions for sanctions relief, which have isolated the country financially following 14 years of conflict.

The diplomatic push comes as Syria-Israel tensions escalate, with increased Israeli airstrikes since rebels ousted former leader Bashar al-Assad last year. Despite Sharaa confirming indirect negotiations with Israel aimed at reducing tensions, strikes have continued.

Most observers consider a Trump-Sharaa meeting unlikely given the US president's schedule and lack of consensus within his administration regarding Syria policy.

"There is definitely a push underway," said Charles Lister from the Middle East Institute, explaining that direct access to Trump is seen as the best strategy because "there are just too many ideologues within the administration to get past."

The Trump Organisation has signed several deals for developments around the Middle East and the former Soviet Union in recent years, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Azerbaijan seeing developments. 

In 2022, Trump’s company partnered with Dar Al Arkan to create a luxury resort and golf complex in Oman’s capital Muscat (an aside: South Korea’s president is said to be practising his golf swing ahead of a hoped-for encounter with Trump).

The AIDA project includes a Trump-branded hotel, villas, and an 18-hole golf course overlooking the Gulf of Oman. The Omani government, heavily invested in the infrastructure, provided land for the project. Concerns over labour practices were subsequently raised, with migrant workers reportedly facing challenging conditions and low pay.​