ISLAMABAD (PEN) : U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting the majority of American sanctions on Syria, a move seen as part of a broader strategy to reshape U.S. engagement in the Middle East and support Syria’s post-conflict recovery.
Sanctions Relief Formalized by Executive Order
The order, signed Monday, revokes five key executive directives that formed the backbone of Washington’s long-standing sanctions regime against Syria. It also directs federal agencies to begin waiving additional restrictions tied to congressional mandates and export control regulations, according to senior U.S. officials.
“This decision provides a blanket opportunity to jumpstart Syria’s economy and reintegrate the country into the regional framework,” said Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria.
The policy shift fulfills a promise Trump made during a visit to Saudi Arabia in May, where both Riyadh and Ankara urged Washington to lift sanctions, citing them as a major obstacle to Syria’s reconstruction and regional integration.
Sanctions Remain for Assad, Key Individuals
While the majority of sanctions are being lifted, officials clarified that penalties will remain in effect for former President Bashar al-Assad, his inner circle, and individuals or entities deemed to be destabilizing the region. Restrictions related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction will also stay in place.
“We are not rewarding past actions. We are enabling future progress,” a senior official stated, noting that the sanctions relief does not extend to actors involved in past human rights abuses or terrorism.
Caesar Act, Terror Designation Under Review
The executive order calls for a review of sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, which can only be lifted with congressional approval. It also directs agencies to assess the criteria for removing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a status it has held since 1979.
In a potential further policy development, the Trump administration is examining whether to delist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), now led by Syria’s transitional leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, from U.S. terror watchlists.
Shift in Syrian Leadership Spurs Policy Change
The decision to ease sanctions comes after the fall of the Assad regime in December, and the emergence of a transitional government led by al-Sharaa — a former Islamist fighter who has since pledged to steer Syria away from authoritarian rule.
The administration argues that lifting sanctions will accelerate rebuilding efforts, enable humanitarian work, and open doors for foreign investment after more than a decade of war.
“The way to draw them into the Abraham Accords is through economic opportunity, civil cooperation, and peace — and we believe this approach will deliver that,” said a senior U.S. official.
Backing from Humanitarian and Regional Stakeholders
Humanitarian groups and regional allies have welcomed the move, arguing that sanctions have hindered the delivery of aid and the restoration of critical infrastructure.
Barrack emphasized that Washington’s new approach avoids rigid preconditions and instead focuses on creating conditions favorable for long-term stability.
“Rather than dictate terms, we aim to foster an environment where Syria can heal and reintegrate, economically and diplomatically,” he said.
