President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to lift sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward engagement and diplomacy rather than punitive measures. The policy change aims to support Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has taken positive actions to transform the circumstances that led to the original sanctions. Will this approach ultimately secure peace in the Middle East?
Trump’s Executive Order Details and Implications
President Trump’s executive order terminates the Syria sanctions program that has been in place for years, representing a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Middle Eastern nation. The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed 518 individuals and entities from the Specially Designated Nationals list, effectively unblocking their property and interests previously frozen under sanctions.
Despite this broad relief, targeted sanctions remain on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, and terrorist organizations, including ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates. The executive order also allows for the relaxation of export controls and waives certain foreign assistance restrictions to Syria, creating pathways for economic engagement and humanitarian aid.
Trump Signs Executive Order to Lift Sanctions on Syria
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday evening ending most sanctions on Syria which will take effect Tuesday.
Sanctions will remain in place on former President Bashar al-Assad, his aides, Iranian… pic.twitter.com/BSN4xbmal0
— Sprinter Observer (@SprinterObserve) June 30, 2025
Syria’s New Leadership and Political Transformation
The sanctions relief comes in response to positive changes in Syria following the transition from the Assad regime to a new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt indicated that this action is intended to sustain and encourage forward momentum in Syria’s development, recognizing the transformed circumstances that justified the original sanctions.
As part of the executive order, the Secretary of State will review the designations of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahmed al-Sharaa as terrorists, as well as Syria’s status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This comprehensive reassessment reflects the administration’s belief that Syria’s new leadership demonstrates promise for stability and constructive international engagement.
#Trump admin conditions, or perhaps now expectations on #Syria include:
– “Concrete steps toward normalizing ties with #Israel”
– “Assuming responsibility for #ISIS detention centers in northeast #Syria“
+ measures on foreign terrorists, Palestinian factions & fighting #ISIS. https://t.co/uJrorfFN3x— Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) June 30, 2025
Strategic Goals and Continued Monitoring
The Trump administration’s decision aligns with broader strategic objectives of securing regional stability and fostering improved diplomatic ties throughout the Middle East. Treasury officials emphasized that the ultimate goal of sanctions is to bring about positive behavioral change rather than punishment, with the current policy shift reflecting this philosophy in action.
While lifting most sanctions, the U.S. will continue monitoring progress on key priorities, including Syria’s normalization of ties with Israel and prevention of an ISIS resurgence. The administration has directed exploration of sanctions relief at the United Nations level to further support Syria’s stability, demonstrating a multilateral approach to the country’s reintegration into the international community.
President Trump has expressed optimism about Syria’s potential to stop radicalism, improve regional relations, and contribute to peace in the Middle East. The Treasury Department’s issuance of a general license authorizing transactions with the interim Syrian government, coupled with the State Department’s 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act, provides immediate practical mechanisms for implementing this new policy direction.
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Author: Editorial Team
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