WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday to lift long-standing economic sanctions on Syria. The move marks a major shift in US foreign policy, coming just six months after President Bashar al-Assad was ousted.
The order, described by the Treasury Department as “wide-ranging,” aims to attract foreign investment, support Syria’s interim government, and restart the country’s stalled reconstruction. It removes restrictions on “entities critical to Syria’s development, the operation of its government, and the rebuilding of the country’s social fabric,” Treasury officials said.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani praised the move on X. He called it a “gateway to long-awaited recovery” and said it would help reconnect Syria with the global community.
Since 2011, US sanctions have severely damaged Syria’s economy. Critics say these penalties blocked efforts to rebuild. Trump’s decision could reshape Syria’s political and economic future after years of war and isolation.
US Supports Interim Government and Reviews Terror Ties
Trump’s order includes a review of Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is currently listed as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.” Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Julani, once led the al-Nusra Front—al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate—which later became Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Al-Sharaa led the campaign that removed Assad in December 2024. Since then, he has promised a more inclusive and unified Syria. Trump met him in Saudi Arabia in May and praised him as “attractive” and “tough.”
The State Department will also re-evaluate HTS’s designation as a foreign terrorist group. Al-Sharaa says he has cut ties with jihadist networks. However, recent reports of attacks and kidnappings targeting Assad’s Alawite sect have raised concerns among rights groups.
In his statement, Trump said the US supports a “stable, unified Syria” that protects minorities and does not shelter terrorist groups.
Mixed Response in Washington as Sanctions Begin to Ease
Trump’s decision sparked mixed reactions on Capitol Hill. Earlier this week, Reps. Ilhan Omar and Anna Paulina Luna introduced a bipartisan bill to offer long-term sanctions relief, aligning with Trump’s executive action.
Still, some lawmakers argue the move is premature. They question al-Sharaa’s leadership and Syria’s ability to curb extremist violence.
Not all sanctions are being lifted. Restrictions remain on Assad loyalists, ISIL, and groups backed by Iran. Trump also asked US agencies to review whether conditions allow lifting penalties under the Caesar Act, which targeted Assad for war crimes.
Despite concerns, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna called it “the most significant rollback of Syrian sanctions since they were imposed.”
Trump’s move could reshape US policy in the region. As Syria reopens to the world, attention now turns to whether its interim leaders can deliver peace, stability, and recovery.
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