U.S. Lifts Sanctions on Syria

Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The United States on Friday, 23 May 2025, lifted comprehensive economic sanctions on Syria, marking a dramatic policy shift following the end of Bashar Al-Assad's regime and opening the door for new investment in the war-torn country.

In a statement, the Treasury said it issued General License 25, effectively lifting Syria sanctions in line with President Donald Trump’s directive.

"The decision is part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to dismantle the sanctions framework established in response to the Assad regime’s human rights abuses," the Treasury added.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stressed the administration’s commitment to supporting Syria’s recovery. "As promised by President Trump, the U.S. is enabling new investment in Syria," Bessent said.

He further noted, "Syria must also continue to work towards becoming a stable country that is at peace, and today’s actions will hopefully put the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future."

The Treasury also affirmed the U.S. commitment to a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria, stating that sanctions relief is extended to the new government with the expectation it will protect religious and ethnic minorities.

"The U.S. will continue monitoring Syria’s progress and developments on the ground," the statement said.

Simultaneously, the U.S. Department of State issued a waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act to facilitate engagement by allies and regional partners.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement: "In accordance with the President’s promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I have issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to ensure sanctions do not impede the ability of our partners to make stability-driving investments, and advance Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. "

"President Trump is providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria’s relations with its neighbors," he said, but stressing that, "The U.S. The President has made clear his expectation that relief will be followed by prompt action by the Syrian government on important policy priorities."

The move marks the first step toward a new U.S.-Syria relationship, offering sanctions relief in exchange for swift action on key reforms and regional peace.

U.S. President Donald Trump first unveiled his plans for sanctions relief during a tour of the Middle East in mid-May. He said lifting U.S. sanctions would give Syria “a chance at greatness”, since the restrictions left the war-torn country economically isolated.

Trump first unveiled his plans for sanctions relief during a tour of the Middle East in mid-May. He said lifting US sanctions would give Syria “a chance at greatness”, since the restrictions left the war-torn country economically isolated.

"It’s their time to shine. We’re taking them all off," he said from Riyadh.

Shortly after, Trump met and shook hands with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who had only recently been removed from the U.S.’s “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” list.

Welcoming the decision, al-Sharaa called it a turning point for Syria’s recovery. He said: “The decision to lift sanctions on Syria will contribute to achieving security and stability, and opens a new chapter in rebuilding the country.”



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