Washington, D.C. – In a significant foreign policy move, the Trump administration announced Friday the lifting of sweeping U.S. sanctions against Syria, marking a major step toward normalizing relations with the war-torn nation under its new leadership. The decision follows President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa during a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia.
Trump Administration Key Changes in Sanctions Policy
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a “general license” effectively removing long-standing restrictions that barred American citizens and businesses from most financial dealings with the Syrian government and its affiliated entities. These sanctions, first imposed in 2005 and expanded during Syria’s civil war, had severely crippled the country’s economy.
Permitted Transactions: U.S. entities can now engage with Syrian banks, oil and gas firms, port operators, and the national airline.
Exemptions Granted: The Treasury provided a Patriot Act waiver, allowing U.S. financial institutions to work with Syria’s Commercial Bank.
Ongoing Restrictions: Sanctions remain on select Syrian entities tied to Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as those on the Treasury’s blacklist.
Humanitarian and Economic Impact
The sanctions relief was welcomed by Syria’s Foreign Ministry, which called it a “positive step” toward alleviating the country’s economic crisis. Analysts estimate that 90% of Syrians live in poverty, with GDP plummeting from $252 billion before the war to just $9 billion in 2021 (World Bank).
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated: “This move will hopefully put Syria on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future.”
Caesar Act Waiver and Diplomatic Considerations
In a parallel decision, the State Department issued a six-month waiver on sanctions imposed under the 2020 Caesar Act, which had targeted foreign companies doing business with Syria. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the waiver would “facilitate electricity, water, and humanitarian aid delivery.”
Syria’s New Leadership Under Scrutiny
The sanctions shift comes as the international community watches Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new president, who has sought to distance himself from his past as a rebel commander once linked to al-Qaeda. Since taking power, al-Sharaa has positioned himself as a moderate leader open to cooperation with the West and Gulf states.
The Treasury Department cautioned that sanctions relief is contingent on Syria “not harboring terrorist groups” and ensuring “protection for religious and ethnic minorities.” The U.S. will continue monitoring compliance.
Mixed Reactions
While the move was celebrated in Damascus, critics warn that easing pressure too soon could embolden remnants of the Assad regime and its allies. However, the Biden administration has signaled cautious support, framing the decision as a humanitarian necessity.