In a landmark decision, the White House announced that President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a significant reversal of decades-long American policy toward the country. The move is being framed by the administration as the beginning of a new diplomatic and economic relationship between Washington and Damascus.
A senior official at the U.S. Treasury Department stated that the action would “end Syria’s isolation from the global financial system and create new pathways for trade and investment between Syria, the United States, and regional partners.” The official added that the administration is actively reviewing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a label it has held since 1979.
A Turning Point in U.S.-Syria Relations
This executive order is among the most significant foreign policy shifts in U.S.–Middle East relations in recent history. It follows the formal end of Syria’s civil war and the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad from power. The current Syrian government, led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, has been seeking reintegration into the international community.
In response to the announcement, Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic step” that would eliminate major barriers to Syria’s recovery. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), al-Shibani said the lifting of sanctions “opens the door to long-overdue reconstruction and economic growth.”
Earlier in the day, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the executive order had been signed. The order follows President Trump’s earlier pledge in May to reverse U.S. punitive measures that had been in place for over 20 years.
Conditions and Strategic Engagement
According to sources within the administration, the decision to lift sanctions is part of a broader strategy to support regional stability and economic development. The executive order paves the way for U.S. businesses to resume operations in Syria, including exports of goods and services. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), in coordination with the State Department, recommended the removal of restrictions on U.S. and third-party transactions with Syrian entities.
The announcement follows a high-profile meeting in Riyadh between President Trump, Syrian President Al-Sharaa, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — the first U.S.–Syria summit in over two decades. During that meeting, Trump agreed to lift sanctions in exchange for five key commitments from Syria:
- Signing the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations with Israel.
- Removing all foreign military forces from Syrian territory.
- Deporting members of Palestinian militant groups.
- Supporting U.S. efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.
- Taking full responsibility for detention centers housing former ISIS fighters.
Economic and Legislative Implications
The Syrian government has repeatedly appealed to the U.S. and European Union to lift sanctions, arguing that they severely impede the country’s ability to pay civil servants, rebuild essential infrastructure, and restore public health services.
While the executive order immediately ends many restrictions, several sanctions — particularly those tied to Syria’s terrorism designation — may still require congressional action to be fully rescinded. Additionally, sanctions related to human rights violations and Syria’s past support for groups like Hezbollah remain under ongoing review.
Historical Context
U.S. sanctions against Syria have a long history, intensifying significantly during the Assad regime’s violent suppression of opposition groups. In 2003, President George W. Bush signed the Syria Accountability Act, citing Syria’s support for terrorism, its occupation of Lebanon, and alleged efforts to develop weapons of mass destruction.
In recent months, Trump signaled a shift in tone, and in June the Treasury Department issued new guidance easing restrictions on Syrian financial institutions and airlines. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the goal of these changes was to “encourage investment and enable economic recovery.”
Looking Ahead
The decision to lift sanctions is expected to have significant geopolitical implications, not only for Syria’s future but for the broader Middle East. It reflects a recalibration of U.S. policy under President Trump, with a focus on diplomacy, trade, and post-conflict reconstruction.
While the full response from Congress and international allies remains to be seen, the administration’s message is clear: the United States is opening the door to reengagement with Syria under a new leadership and a new political era.
