Trump Administration Begins Lifting Longstanding Syria Sanctions
The Trump administration on Friday issued new directives to ease sanctions on Syria, following President Donald Trump’s recent pledge to support the country’s reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of a prolonged and devastating civil war.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced a general license authorizing transactions with Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the country’s central bank and state-owned enterprises.
Designated as General License 25 (GL25), the measure “authorizes transactions prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria,” the Treasury said in an official statement.
The department emphasized that GL25 will promote new investment and private-sector activity in alignment with Trump’s “America First” strategy. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio granted a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act. The waiver aims to ensure sanctions do not hinder essential services like energy, water, and sanitation, while also facilitating humanitarian operations.
“These actions mark the initial step in fulfilling the President’s vision for a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations,” Rubio stated. He added that Trump expects the Syrian government to take specific steps in return for sanctions relief. According to the White House, during a recent meeting with President Sharaa, Trump called on Syria to meet several conditions: expelling all foreign militants, deporting individuals labeled as Palestinian terrorists, and cooperating with the U.S. in preventing a resurgence of ISIS.
“President Trump is offering Syria a path toward peace and regional stability,” Rubio said.
In response, Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the sanctions waiver on Saturday, describing it as a “positive step toward alleviating the country’s humanitarian and economic crisis.” The ministry reiterated Syria’s willingness to collaborate with other nations on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference, emphasizing that diplomacy and dialogue are key to building constructive relationships.
The bulk of U.S. sanctions on Syria had been in place since 2011, primarily targeting the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad and his inner circle following the outbreak of civil war. Sharaa, once sanctioned under the alias Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, led the forces that overthrew Assad in December.
The newly issued general license includes authorization for transactions with Sharaa, Syrian Arab Airlines, the Central Bank of Syria, several major banks, state-owned oil and gas firms, and the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus.
Trump’s decision to ease sanctions followed a request from Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and marked a major shift in U.S. policy, announced just prior to his brief meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh.
Officials hope that the sanctions relief will boost engagement by international humanitarian organizations, spur foreign investment, and facilitate trade as Syria attempts to rebuild. Still, experts caution that lingering sanctions and the possibility of future restrictions may deter private-sector involvement.
Syria has been under varying layers of U.S. sanctions since it was first designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979. These restrictions intensified significantly after the 2011 uprising against Assad, leading to severe economic isolation.
