Trump Lifts Decades-old US Sanctions on Syria
Trump's order followed an announcement made in Riyadh in May 2025, ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria to give Syrians a 'chance at greatness,' upon the request of the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman.
However, the US will maintain sanctions imposed on the former President, Bashar Al-Assad, his associates, family members and officials who were involved in drug trafficking, human rights abuses or Syria's chemical weapons program. Lifting Syria Sanctions
On Monday, the White House announced that Trump had signed an executive order that would end the Syria sanction program to 'support the country's path to stability and peace.'
The order directs the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to evaluate suspending sanctions under the Caesar Act, and review the terrorist designation of the current Transitional President, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS), as well as Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
Moreover, it permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods, waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria, and directs Rubio to explore avenues for sanctions relief at the UN to support stability in Syria. A Chance for Success
According to the White House, Trump's executive order underscores his commitment to a stable and unified Syria, which is at peace with its neighbors, but not at the expense of US interests. The Trump administration seeks to reengage Syria constructively while monitoring progress on key priorities, including taking concrete steps toward normalizing ties with Israel and addressing foreign terrorists.
The US sanctions were imposed on the government of Bashar Al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024. Given the recent positive changes and actions undertaken by the current government, the White Houe said that Syria has a chance for a stable and peaceful future. Thus, removing sanctions will support the country's efforts to rebuild and counter terrorism.
Meanwhile, sanctions on Bashar Al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies will remain in place, the White House said. A Promise Kept
On May 13, 2025, Trump made a big announcement during his visit to Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh. The US President said he would lift sanctions on Syria to 'give them a chance at greatness.' He noted that his decision came at the request of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman.
A day later, a meeting took place in Riyadh between Trump and Al-Sharaa, whom he described as a 'young, attractive guy, with a very strong past.'
'The sanctions were brutal and crippling and served as an important — really an important function — nevertheless, at the time. But now it's their time to shine … So, I say, 'Good luck, Syria.' Show us something very special,' Trump said while in Riyadh.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters on Monday that this is 'another promise made and promise kept by this president to promote peace and stability in the region.'
Moreover, the European Union (EU) has followed suit in May by removing the majority of the remaining sanctions on Syria to give the Syrian people 'the chance to reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, pluralistic and peaceful Syria free from harmful foreign interference.' Ending Syria's Financial Isolation
The Syrian government has welcomed Trump's executive order, which will pave the way for the country's economic recovery. In the light of this, Syria's Foreign Minister, Asaad Al-Shaibani, said: 'We welcome the cancellation of the majority of the sanctions program imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic, pursuant to the historic executive order issued by President Trump.'
He praised the historic decision as a major step towards Syria's reconstruction and development. 'By removing this major obstacle to economic recovery, the doors to long-awaited reconstruction and development are opened, along with the rehabilitation of vital infrastructure, providing the necessary conditions for the dignified and safe return of displaced Syrians to their homeland,' Al-Shaibani added, according to The Guardian.
Furthermore, the US acting under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Brad Smith, said that this executive order will 'end the country's isolation from the international financial system, setting the stage for global commerce, and galvanizing investments from its neighbors in the region as well as from the US.'
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