Trump Administration Moves to Lift Sanctions on Syria

In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, the Trump administration announced on Friday a series of actions effectively lifting long-standing economic sanctions on Syria. The move comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader strategy to recalibrate America’s approach to global conflicts and encourage post-war reconstruction in the region.

The U.S. Treasury Department issued General License 25 (GL25), a sweeping measure that authorizes transactions previously prohibited under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. This includes dealings with Syria’s interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the country’s central bank and various state-owned enterprises.

“GL25 will enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President’s America First strategy,” the Treasury Department said in an official statement. The license aims to stimulate economic recovery in Syria by reopening channels for commerce, finance, and humanitarian assistance.

Alongside GL25, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act.

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This temporary suspension is designed to prevent sanctions from obstructing critical infrastructure projects, such as electricity, water, energy, and sanitation services. It also allows for broader humanitarian efforts to reach communities devastated by more than a decade of civil conflict.

“Today’s actions represent the first step in delivering on the President’s vision of a new relationship between Syria and the United States,” Rubio said. He emphasized that the relief is conditional and tied to specific commitments expected from the Syrian government.

The announcement follows a high-profile meeting between President Trump and President Sharaa earlier this month.

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According to the White House, Trump laid out several conditions for continued cooperation, including: Expelling all foreign militants from Syrian territory, Deporting individuals labeled by the U.S. as “Palestinian terrorists” and Cooperating with American efforts to prevent the resurgence of ISIS.

These conditions are intended to promote regional stability and foster a new era of diplomacy between Washington and Damascus.

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In a statement released early Saturday, Syria’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the U.S. sanctions relief, calling it a “positive step in the right direction.” Syrian officials expressed hope that the move would ease humanitarian suffering and help jumpstart the nation’s battered economy.

“Syria is ready to cooperate with other nations on the basis of mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs,” the ministry noted. “Dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path to building balanced international relations.”

While the easing of sanctions signals a major policy reversal, analysts caution that long-term progress will depend on how the Syrian government responds to Washington’s conditions. Nonetheless, the move marks a potential turning point in U.S.–Syria relations, with both humanitarian and geopolitical implications.