Trump to lift most U.S. sanctions on Syria in major policy shift

WASHINGTON D.C. (MNTV) — The White House has announced that President Donald Trump will sign an executive order terminating the bulk of U.S. sanctions on Syria, according to Qatar Tribune.

This action, a follow-through on his May pledge in Riyadh, is intended to support Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system and stimulate post-war reconstruction driven by foreign investment.

In defense of the decision, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that key restrictions remain intact.

Sanctions targeting former President Bashar al‑Assad and his inner circle, individuals involved in human rights violations, drug trafficking, ISIS and affiliated networks will remain enforced, reported Associated Press.

Senior Treasury official Brad Smith clarified that the executive order revokes a national emergency first declared by President George W. Bush and rescinds five Syria‑related executive orders.

However, provisions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which currently remains in effect following its renewal in December 2024, are not covered by the order.

The White House highlighted that the move will ease Syria’s long‑standing isolation from international banking and finance, paving the way for U.S. and regional investment in infrastructure rebuilding.

It also directs Secretary of State Rubio to explore further sanctions relief, export control adjustments, and review Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism—and the status of its new leader, Ahmed al‑Sharaa—as a designated terrorist.

President Trump has also encouraged Sharaa to pursue broader regional normalization, including joining the Abraham Accords and improving ties with Israel, a proposal backed by Gulf leaders and Turkey’s President Erdoğan.