Trump lifts restrictions on Syria financially
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 30, 2025, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Syria. The order permanently revokes most U.S. sanctions on Syria, aiming to promote stability and reintegrate Syria into the Middle East.
The executive order terminates five previous executive orders that formed the existing Syria sanctions program. Simultaneously, it removes 518 individuals and entities from the U.S. Treasury's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, lifting restrictions on those critical to Syria's government operations and reconstruction efforts.
However, the order maintains sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and other destabilizing regional actors under a separate national emergency declaration (E.O. 13894). This ensures continued accountability for the former regime's abuses.
The administration frames this move as an opportunity for Syria's new government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, to rebuild the country and achieve peace and prosperity, while still holding key oppressive actors accountable.
The move comes after preliminary easing of sanctions earlier in May 2025, and seeks to "turn back on" Syria's economy and facilitate reconstruction. The administration is also working to prevent a resurgence of ISIS in Syria.
The order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria. It also aims to encourage normalization of relations between Syria and its neighbors, including Israel, as part of the conditions for Syria's path forward.
The Trump administration is directed to review the designations of Syria as a "state sponsor of terrorism." Sanctions on Assad's associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS and their affiliates, and Iranian proxies remain in place.
The State Department issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act, which was enacted to hold the Assad regime accountable for human rights abuses. The new interim government in Syria has been working to restore order and rebuild institutions since its formation.
Sources: [1] White House Press Release, June 30, 2025. [2] U.S. Treasury Department Press Release, June 30, 2025. [3] U.S. State Department Press Release, May 15, 2025. [4] U.S. State Department Press Release, June 30, 2025. [5] CNN News Article, June 30, 2025.
The executive order, announced by President Donald Trump on June 30, 2025, marked a strategic shift in U.S. policy towards Syria, aiming to facilitate Syria's reintegration into the Middle East through policy-and-legislation that eases sanctions. Simultaneously, this move fuels politics, as it sets conditions for rebuilding Syria and achieving peace and prosperity, while maintaining accountability for human rights abuses and war-and-conflicts instigators.
