Washington (TDI): President Donald Trump has signed an executive order bringing an end to long-standing US sanctions on Syria, a move expected to re-integrate the war-torn nation into the global financial system and support its path toward recovery after years of civil war.
While the broader sanctions program has been terminated, restrictions will remain on Syria’s deposed former president Bashar al-Assad, his inner circle, and individuals linked to serious human rights abuses, narcotics trafficking, chemical weapons operations, and terrorist networks such as ISIS and Iran-backed militias, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
Assad’s government was toppled in December following a rapid advance by Islamist-aligned rebel forces. Since then, Damascus has sought to restore diplomatic relations and rebuild international credibility.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the announcement, calling it a “historic opening” that could allow Syria to move forward with long-delayed reconstruction efforts and reconnect with global partners. He said it eliminates a key barrier to economic recovery.
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Trump and Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, had met in Riyadh earlier this year, where Trump surprised many by declaring his intention to lift sanctions. The declaration has since been followed by a steady relaxation of restrictions.
European nations have also begun winding down their own sanctions. Some lawmakers in the US are pushing to make the rollback permanent.
“Syria deserves an opportunity to turn the page,” said US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack. “This decision is the result of an incredibly complex and drawn-out effort to unwind a sanctions regime that’s been in place for over a decade.”
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According to the White House, the executive order instructs the Secretary of State to reassess Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, as well as the status of groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al-Qaeda affiliate led by President Sharaa in his earlier political life.
US officials emphasized that future policy will hinge on Syria’s actions, including progress in normalizing relations with Israel, clamping down on foreign extremist fighters, and taking steps against Palestinian militant groups.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
