Following Trump’s unexpected announcement, the US has lifted its initial sanctions on Syria
In May, the US president announced the easing of sanctions ahead of a previously meeting with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has taken its first tangible step toward easing sanctions on Syria, following an unexpected shift in policy earlier this month.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced broad sanctions relief affecting a range of individuals and entities. The department stated that the move is intended to “enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with [Trump’s] America First strategy.” Simultaneously, the U.S. State Department issued a waiver to the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, aimed at helping “our foreign partners, allies, and the region to further unlock Syria’s potential.”
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the waiver would support efforts to provide electricity, energy, clean water, and sanitation, while also enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian operations throughout Syria.
The authorizations include provisions for new investments in Syria, the facilitation of financial services, and transactions involving Syrian petroleum products.
“These measures are the first step in realizing the president’s vision for a new chapter in U.S.-Syria relations,” Rubio said on Friday.
Trump startled the global community on May 13 when he announced plans to lift sanctions imposed during the regime of now-deposed President Bashar al-Assad.
Friday’s announcements represent the administration’s initial efforts to fulfill that pledge, as Syria begins the long process of recovery from Assad-era abuses and more than a decade of civil war.
“As President Trump pledged, the Treasury and State Departments are moving forward with authorizations to promote new investments in Syria,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “Syria must continue its journey toward stability and peace, and we hope today’s measures will set it on a path toward a brighter and more prosperous future.”
Trump first revealed his plans for sanctions relief during a tour of the Middle East in mid-May, asserting that lifting the economic restrictions would give Syria “a chance at greatness,” after years of international isolation.
“It’s their time to shine. We’re taking them all off,” he declared in Riyadh.
Shortly thereafter, Trump met and shook hands with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who had only recently been removed from the U.S. government’s list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
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