WASHINGTON, D.C, USA – The United States President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order lifting most sanctions on Syria, marking a shift in American foreign policy towards the war-torn country following the ouster of longtime strongman Bashar al-Assad late last year.
According to a White House fact sheet, the executive order revokes five prior orders that formed the backbone of the U.S. sanctions program on Syria.
While sanctions directly targeting Assad, his inner circle, and terror-linked entities remain in place, the move opens the door for expanded trade, aid, and diplomatic engagement with Syria’s interim government.
“The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad,” the White House stated. “It permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria.”
The U.S. Treasury Department immediately issued General License 25 (GL25), authorizing transactions involving the interim Syrian government, its central bank, and state-owned enterprises—signaling a green light for businesses and aid organizations to re-engage with the country.
Caesar Act Waiver and UN Engagement
The State Department also issued a 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, a law that had severely restricted international transactions with Damascus over human rights abuses.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been directed to “explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations” and conduct a comprehensive review of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, as well as the designations of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and its leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Strategic Pivot in the Middle East
The shift follows Assad’s dramatic fall from power on December 8, 2024, and the subsequent formation of an interim government by HTS, the Islamist faction that spearheaded the final assault on Assad’s forces.
Despite HTS’s militant roots, U.S. officials say the group has taken steps toward governance reform, rebuilding institutions, and engaging diplomatically with regional and international players.
During a visit to Saudi Arabia in May, President Trump met with al-Sharaa and reportedly assured him of U.S. support contingent on cooperation in regional stabilization and counter-terrorism.
The White House emphasized that sanctions would remain in place against “human rights abusers, drug traffickers, individuals involved in chemical weapons activities, ISIS and their affiliates, and Iranian proxy groups.”
Normalization and Regional Stability
The administration said it would monitor progress on “key priorities,” including the normalization of Syria’s ties with Israel, curbing Iranian influence, and preventing a resurgence of ISIS.
Trump’s move, while hailed by some as pragmatic diplomacy, is expected to face scrutiny from members of Congress who remain skeptical of legitimizing a government led by former jihadists.
Still, the executive order represents one of the most significant policy resets in U.S.–Middle East relations in over a decade, signaling a readiness to work with new power structures in the post-Assad era.
