Trump Formally Orders Lifting of Sanctions on Syria

In a major policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday lifting most American sanctions on Syria. The move comes after the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of a transitional government led by President Ahmad Al Shara.

The order, which takes effect Tuesday, aims to reintegrate Syria into the global financial system and encourage foreign investment after more than a decade of civil war and economic collapse.

Why the Sanctions Were Lifted

Trump first announced his intention to ease sanctions during his visit to Riyadh last month. Now, that promise has turned into formal action, though full reversal of all legal restrictions still needs approval from Congress—particularly the 2019 Caesar Act, which penalizes international business with Syria.

According to U.S. Treasury officials, this decision reflects a shift in Washington’s stance following positive changes under Syria’s new leadership.

“The significance of this moment cannot be overstated,” said Brad Smith, acting undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence. “It sets the stage for Syria to rejoin global markets and attract regional investment.”

What’s Changing—and What’s Not

The sanctions relief is wide-ranging but not absolute. Restrictions tied to specific individuals and groups remain in place.

• Still sanctioned: Former president Bashar Al Assad, his inner circle, human rights violators, chemical weapons operatives, and extremist groups like ISIS.

• Now permitted: Broader financial and commercial transactions with Syria’s new government, opening doors for reconstruction and development efforts.

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, emphasized that accountability remains a core U.S. priority, saying sanctions would still target “those responsible for atrocities.”

Reaction from Syria and U.S. Officials

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani welcomed the move, calling it “a long-awaited step toward rebuilding our nation.” The transitional government in Damascus had lobbied hard for the lifting of sanctions, especially as it attempts to distance itself from the legacy of the Assad era.

Thomas Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, noted that the decision followed months of diplomatic and legal review.

“It’s been a slow, meticulous process,” Barrack told reporters. “But Syria needed a chance—and that’s what it’s been given.”

Concerns and Conditions Moving Forward

While the White House backs the new Syrian leadership, there’s ongoing caution due to its roots in Hayat Tahrir Al Sham (HTS), a group formerly aligned with Al Qaeda. Still, Trump stated that the U.S. would give the new administration a “chance to prove itself.”

Former war crimes ambassador Stephen Rapp also supported the sanctions lift, noting it enables efforts to identify thousands of missing Syrians and bring perpetrators to justice.

“This opens the door for truth and accountability,” Rapp said, referencing ongoing investigations into mass graves and missing persons—including Americans Austin Tice and Dr. Majd Kamalmaz.

What’s Next?

To fully remove all remaining legal barriers, Congress must repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. Two U.S. senators have already introduced a bill aiming to do just that.

In the meantime, Syria is set to re-enter international markets, and regional investors are already showing interest.

Trump Syria sanctions lifted, Syria sanctions July 2025, U.S. executive order Syria, Syria reconstruction, Assad regime sanctions, Caesar Act repeal, U.S. foreign policy Syria, Ahmad Al Shara Syria, Syrian transitional government, Syria investment reopening

This article was previously published on omanmoments. To see the original article, click here