President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, July 1, 2025, terminating a US sanctions program on Syria. This move marks a significant shift in US policy, aiming to facilitate Syria’s reintegration into the international financial system and support its post-civil war reconstruction.

The White House clarified that sanctions against former President Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, those involved in chemical weapons activities, ISIS affiliates, and Iranian proxies will remain in place. Assad’s removal from power in December, following a rebel offensive, paved the way for this policy change.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani welcomed the decision, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that it would remove obstacles to economic recovery and open the country to the international community. The announcement builds upon a May meeting in Riyadh between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, where Trump initially indicated his intention to lift sanctions.

While some in Congress advocate for a complete repeal of all measures, and Europe has already ended its sanctions regime, the US will maintain certain restrictions. The White House will review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group with al-Qaeda ties, and Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The administration will also continue monitoring Syria’s progress on key priorities, including normalizing ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, and deporting Palestinian terrorists.

The lifting of sanctions is expected to encourage greater humanitarian aid, foreign investment, and trade in Syria. While the US Treasury Department previously issued a general license authorizing transactions with the interim Syrian government, the repeal of the sanctions program, including a 2004 national emergency declaration and associated executive orders, is considered crucial for attracting long-term investment.