WASHINGTON, July 1 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending a major sanctions program on Syria, signaling a dramatic policy shift aimed at reintegrating the war-torn country into the global financial system and supporting its post-conflict recovery.
The move, announced on Monday, marks a key step in Washington’s pledge to aid Syria’s rebuilding process following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The decision allows financial transactions and engagement with Syrian state institutions, while maintaining sanctions on former President Assad, human rights abusers, Islamic State affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
“This will lift a significant barrier to economic recovery and re-establish Syria’s connection to the international community,” Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said in a statement on social media.
Trump’s announcement follows his meeting with Syria’s new President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh earlier this year, where he pledged to normalize economic ties.
The executive order revokes a national emergency declared in 2004 and terminates several associated executive orders.
It also calls for a review of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and the status of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a former al Qaeda-linked group led by President Sharaa.
“This is the result of a painstaking, years-long effort,” said US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack. “We’re finally at the point of unraveling decades of restrictive measures.”
While Congress remains divided on repealing remaining sanctions, European countries have already moved to lift their economic sanctions on Syria.
The US Treasury has issued a general license permitting transactions with Syria’s interim government, central bank, and state enterprises.
The White House emphasized that the US will continue to monitor Syria’s progress, especially in areas related to regional normalization, counterterrorism, and governance reforms.
Officials say any long-term investment will depend on Syria addressing concerns over transparency and human rights.
However, uncertainty remains. A Reuters investigation published Monday reported Syrian government involvement in the 2011 massacre of over 1,500 Alawites — an incident that has yet to be officially addressed by Washington.
It remains unclear whether any individuals or factions involved will face sanctions under existing US laws like the Caesar Act, which still governs many punitive measures against Syria.
A senior US official confirmed that the administration will now assess suspension criteria for the Caesar Act in light of the executive order.
While most existing sanctions were imposed during the early stages of Syria’s civil war in 2011, this latest development represents the most significant shift in US-Syria relations in over a decade.
Syrians hope the easing of sanctions will allow greater humanitarian aid access, attract foreign investment, and enable broader trade opportunities essential for national recovery.
