In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump announced the revocation of numerous sanctions against Syria, effective July 1, 2025.
This decision comes after a transformation in the political landscape following the emergence of the new Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The announcement underscores the United States’ commitment to fostering a stable and unified Syria that is at peace both internally and with its neighboring countries.
President Trump highlighted that a collective effort to support Syria is crucial for enhancing regional security and prosperity, particularly for religious and ethnic minorities.
The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury, earlier this year, issued General License 25, which allowed for the relaxation of certain sanctions under the Caesar Act.
These actions reflect the evolving circumstances that have influenced the policy approach of the U.S. government, particularly in light of recent positive developments from the new Syrian administration.
While the order facilitates a new engagement strategy with Syria, it explicitly states that relief does not extend to entities connected to ISIS, terrorist organizations, human rights abusers, or those involved with chemical weapons.
The policy framework began with the termination of the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338, which had been in place since 2004.
In addition to revoking prior sanctions, the new order establishes a framework for accountability regarding those affiliated with the former regime of Bashar al-Assad.
The President recognized that individuals involved in war crimes, human rights violations, and narcotics trafficking during the Assad regime represent an ongoing threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
As part of this new strategy, the order expands the scope of existing national emergencies declared under Executive Order 13894, which targets those contributing to the unrest in Syria.
Changes to Executive Order 13894 will reflect a more robust mechanism to block property and interests of individuals deemed detrimental to peace in Syria.
These individuals include former government officials from the Assad regime and individuals involved in the illicit narcotics trade.
The sanctions regime will also target adult family members of those designated under these provisions, extending accountability to related parties.
Furthermore, Secretary of State is authorized to implement sanctions on foreign personnel obstructing efforts towards stabilization and reforms in Syria.
This new order represents a pivot in U.S. foreign policy as it seeks to promote a credible, Syrian-led constitutional process and elections that reflect the will of the Syrian populace.
In addition to the above actions, the Secretary of State will evaluate the conditions under the Caesar Act, with implications for potential suspension of sanctions if specific criteria are met.
The Secretary will also report to Congress regarding these evaluations to maintain oversight and accountability.
President Trump’s administration will also address the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act, confirming a significant shift in U.S. relations with Syria based on the new leadership.
The decision includes a waiver of sanctions related to previously imposed restrictions under the CBW Act due to the alleged prior use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime.
A crucial aspect of this new policy framework involves the designation of terrorist organizations and review of Syria’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Secretary of State, working with the Treasury and Attorney General, will take the necessary steps to ensure that groups such as the al-Nusrah Front are appropriately designated as terrorist organizations.
At the same time, the U.S. government will reassess Syria’s designation in this regard to align with current intelligence and geopolitical dynamics.
Moving forward, the United States plans to strengthen its diplomatic efforts at the United Nations, advocating for policies supporting a peaceful and stable Syria.
This involves counterterrorism initiatives and compliance with international obligations regarding weapons of mass destruction.
The order also outlines implementation mechanisms, empowering relevant U.S. officials to initiate necessary actions to actualize this new directive.
The Secretary of State, along with the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce, will lead in establishing rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of this order.
In summary, President Donald Trump’s recent order marks a pivotal change in the U.S. strategy towards Syria, emphasizing a long-term commitment to peace and accountability while navigating the complexities of regional security.
This policy aims to strengthen U.S. foreign policy objectives while ensuring accountability for past abuses, all within the context of supporting a stable, unified Syrian state.
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