Trump eases Syria restrictions in significant policy adjustment

In a significant shift in Middle East policy, the United States has officially lifted the majority of its economic sanctions on Syria, marking a historic pivot that could lead to peace, reconstruction, and potential diplomatic engagement with Israel. The decision, signed by President Donald Trump, aims to give Syria an opportunity to rebuild after more than 14 years of devastating civil war.

The sanctions program, which had been in place for over two decades, targeted Syria's government, entities, and individuals associated with former President Bashar al-Assad and his regime. However, the new political landscape in Syria, marked by the toppling of the Assad regime and the rise of a new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa in 2025, prompted the move to rescind the sanctions.

The US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) implemented this revocation effective July 1, 2025, removing 518 individuals and entities from the sanctions list while maintaining sanctions against those tied to the former regime, including human rights abusers, drug traffickers, and terrorist affiliates. This selective lifting of sanctions aims to support the new Syrian government in rebuilding the nation while holding the former regime accountable for past abuses.

The lifting of sanctions could open Syria to international investment and economic integration, signaling a desire by the US to support Syria’s journey towards peace and stability. It also creates diplomatic openings for Syria to engage with neighboring countries, notably Israel, with whom it has had no formal relations for decades. The new Syrian leadership’s willingness to explore normalization with Israel represents a historic shift in Middle East geopolitics.

The potential normalization of relations between Syria and Israel is particularly notable because it breaks from decades of hostility and conflict between the two nations, linked to long-standing regional disputes and the Assad regime’s policies. The US administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has expressed openness to reviewing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a status that has severely limited Syria's global economic engagement. Establishing diplomatic and security ties could lead to enhanced regional stability and cooperation, aligning with broader US objectives of building peace in the Middle East.

However, ongoing divisions within Syria and potential threats to US interests could impact the normalization process. U.S. authorities stressed they will continue to monitor Syria's political developments closely. Despite these challenges, officials in Damascus say the lifting of sanctions will help restore vital infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and lay the groundwork for the safe return of millions of displaced Syrians.

The move is widely seen as a vote of confidence in Syria's new leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. The White House is exploring normalization of relations between Syria and Israel as part of a broader regional strategy. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indicated a potential shift, saying his country is open to formal relations with Damascus. The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the lifting of sanctions, describing it as "a critical turning point" that removes a major barrier to national recovery.

Brad Smith, Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, stated that the decision paves the way for renewed international investment and reintegration of Syria into the global financial system. The executive order ends most financial restrictions, while retaining sanctions on Assad, now in exile in Russia, along with his key associates, individuals involved in human rights violations, chemical weapons programs, and Iran-backed militias.

In a separate development, President Trump also signed a letter congratulating Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The meeting with Democratic Republic of the Congo Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe took place in the Oval Office of the White House.

As the region moves towards a new era of potential peace and cooperation, the lifting of sanctions on Syria could be a significant step in this direction. The US administration's decision to support Syria’s reconstruction and encourage diplomatic engagement with Israel could set the stage for a more stable and prosperous Middle East.

The revocation of economic sanctions on Syria, a decision signed by President Donald Trump, aims to support the new Syrian government in rebuilding the nation and could open Syria to international investment and economic integration.
The US administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has expressed openness to reviewing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a status that has severely limited Syria's global economic engagement, potentially paving the way for enhanced regional stability and cooperation.
The White House is exploring normalization of relations between Syria and Israel as part of a broader regional strategy, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar indicating a potential shift, saying his country is open to formal relations with Damascus.
In a separate development, President Trump also signed a letter congratulating Rwandan President Paul Kagame on the peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, signaling a continued interest in promoting peace and cooperation in the region.