US Lifts Sanctions on Syria: A Shifting Landscape Post-Trump’s Surprise Announcement

In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump’s administration has initiated its first tangible step towards easing sanctions on Syria, following a surprising change in strategy announced earlier this month.

On Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury revealed extensive sanctions relief aimed at various individuals and organizations, articulating that this move would “facilitate new investment and boost private sector activities, aligning with [Trump’s] America First policy.”

In parallel, the U.S. State Department issued a waiver for the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, intended to allow foreign partners and allies to further tap into Syria’s economic potential.

This unexpected decision by Trump on May 13 to propose lifting sanctions imposed during the regime of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad has captured the attention of the global community.

Friday’s announcements represent an initial phase in Syria’s recovery efforts following 13 years of civil unrest and the cultural and economic devastation inflicted by al-Assad’s administration.

“In line with President Trump’s commitment, the Treasury and State Departments are activating measures to stimulate fresh investments in Syria,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted in a press release.

“It is essential for Syria to pursue stability and peace, and today’s initiatives should ideally steer the nation towards a bright, prosperous, and secure future,” he added.

Sanctions relief is crucial for Syria’s advancement. The U.S. is issuing a waiver under the Caesar Act to boost investments and cash flows, facilitating essential services and reconstruction efforts in Syria. We stand with the Syrian people in their pursuits for a brighter…

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) May 23, 2025

During a Mid-East tour in mid-May, Trump first laid out his vision for sanctions relief, stating that lifting U.S. restrictions would give Syria “an opportunity for greatness,” as economic isolation stifled recovery.

“It’s their moment to flourish. We’re removing all constraints,” he asserted while addressing audiences in Riyadh.

Following that, Trump met with Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who had recently been delisted from the U.S. “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” roster.

A Call for Sanctions Relief

Calls for sanctions easing intensified after the fall of al-Assad’s regime last December. Al-Sharaa, who led the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group in the offensive that forced al-Assad to flee, has become a prominent figure in this transformation.

Since the civil war erupted in 2011, Syria’s economy has been devastated.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, about 656,493 individuals lost their lives during the conflict, and a 2020 United Nations report estimated that Syria incurred economic losses nearing $442.2 billion in the initial eight years of turmoil.

Sanctions have further exacerbated Syria’s economic challenges, complicating efforts for U.S.-aligned nations to engage in trade.

Since the establishment of a new interim government in December, Syrian officials have consistently argued that ongoing sanctions, imposed largely during al-Assad’s reign, would impede progress and fuel instability.

Trump’s recent announcement has reignited hopes among the Syrian populace for a rejuvenated path forward, though the precise nature of the relief remains to be fully delineated.

Earlier this week, the European Union also declared it had lifted its sanctions against Syria.

According to the Treasury Department, the U.S. sanctions relief applies to the “Government of Syria … as recognized from May 13, 2025,” also extending to various previously sanctioned sectors, including transportation, banking, tourism, and fossil fuels.

However, transactions involving Russia, Iran, and North Korea will still be subject to U.S. sanctions.

A major obstacle remains the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which was enacted in 2019 during Trump’s initial term. This law imposed extensive sanctions targeting al-Assad’s government and its affiliates for committing human rights violations against civilians.

Naming the act after a former Syrian military photographer who exposed abuses, it is crucial to note that only Congress can fully revoke these restrictions. Nevertheless, President Trump has the authority to grant temporary waivers, which he did on Friday.

In his remarks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the waiver would be in effect for a period of 180 days, aiming to “increase investments and enhance cash flows for essential services and reconstruction in Syria.”

“We are committed to supporting the Syrian people as they strive for a more promising future,” Rubio concluded.