Live updates: Trump's meeting with Syria's new president could mark a turning point for the Mideast

President Donald Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia, the first encounter between the two nations' leaders in 25 years and one that could mark a turning point for the region as Syria struggles to emerge from decades of international isolation.

The meeting marks a major turn of events for a Syria still adjusting to life after the over 50-year, iron-gripped rule of the Assad family, and for its new leader, who once had a $10 million U.S. bounty for his arrest.

Meanwhile, Trump said Qatar's ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani reminded him of the Saudi crown prince. He called them both "tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart" - the latest display of warm relations between the president and his Gulf Arab hosts.

In an interview with Fox News aboard Air Force One, Trump defended his efforts to accept a donated replacement plane from Qatar, the second stop on his Middle East trip. Democrats say accepting the $400 million jet is a national security threat.

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Dozens of higher education organizations are taking a stand against the Trump administration's attacks on prestigious universities, calling on the government to "reforge" its ties with academia.

In a Wednesday statement, more than 50 groups said the nation suffers when research grants are "held hostage for political reasons and without due process." It said all Americans benefit from the technology and medical advances produced through the government's partnership with colleges.

The groups implore the government to respect colleges' autonomy over their campuses. The signers include the American Council on Education, which represents hundreds of university presidents.

The Trump administration has cut research funding at Harvard, Columbia and other universities, framing it as an effort to root out antisemitism.

Trump stood with Al Thani to greet a procession of guests at the dinner. The line stretched down a palace hallway. Elon Musk, the world's richest person and a top adviser to the president, was one of the attendees

Top administration officials, including Pete Hegseth, Scott Bessent and Susie Wiles, were there. So was Chris Ruddy, the founder of Newsmax, and Kelly Ortberg, the Boeing chief executive who had earlier in the day signed a deal to sell planes to Qatar.

After nearly an hour of shaking hands, the receiving line was over. Trump and Al Thani are now participating in a state dinner at the Lusail Palace.

The president seemed impressed by the building. "Nice house!" he exclaimed.

U.S. sanctions - along with similar measures by other countries - have led to shortages of goods from fuel to medicine, and made it difficult for humanitarian agencies to operate fully.

Companies around the world struggle to export to Syria, and Syrians struggle to import goods of any kind because nearly all financial transactions with the country are banned. That has led to a blossoming black market of smuggled goods.

Experts say it will take time, and the process for lifting the sanctions is unclear. But Trump's decision to ease sanctions could bring much-needed investment to the country.