WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order lifting long-standing sanctions on Syria, signaling a major shift in Washington’s Middle East policy. The decision is aimed at enabling Syria’s economic recovery after more than a decade of civil war.
The order officially terminates the U.S. national emergency declared in 2004, which served as the legal foundation for a wide range of economic and financial sanctions on Syria. The White House confirmed the move on Monday, stating it reflects a “commitment to regional stability and rebuilding efforts.”
Partial Relief with Key Restrictions Maintained
While the order lifts several economic restrictions, sanctions against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his family members, and individuals accused of human rights violations, terrorism, or links to Iran-backed militias will remain intact.
The U.S. government emphasized that the easing of sanctions applies primarily to trade, banking, and reconstruction-related activities, especially those linked to humanitarian needs and regional development.
Strategic Context and International Response
The decision follows Trump’s recent engagements in the Gulf, where regional partners reportedly urged the United States to adopt a more constructive approach toward post-war Syria. The move is expected to pave the way for increased foreign investment and reconstruction, particularly from neighboring states such as Turkey.
Several European nations, including the United Kingdom and Germany, have already relaxed certain sanctions on Syria in recent months, citing similar humanitarian and economic considerations.
Ongoing Monitoring and Conditional Engagement
Despite the policy shift, the U.S. Treasury Department has reiterated that financial transactions involving sanctioned individuals or entities will continue to be prohibited. Officials also stressed that the decision does not amount to political recognition of Syria’s leadership but is instead a calculated step to ease the country’s economic isolation under strict monitoring.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.