Trump administration announces sanctions relief for Syria
The Trump administration has announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria,a move anticipated following President Trump’s recent Middle Eastern visit. This sanctions relief is likely intended to foster improved diplomatic relations, especially after Syria ousted the assad regime the previous year amid a prolonged civil war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the waiving of certain sanctions under the Caesar Act, allowing business transactions with Syria without U.S. economic retaliation, though restrictions remain against transactions benefiting Russia, Iran, or North Korea. The administration emphasizes that this relief is contingent upon Syria’s commitment to counterterrorism and protecting it’s minority groups. Secretary of State Marco Rubio commended the move, expressing the hope for Syria to pursue peace and stability. The announcement has generated optimism within Syria, with some advocating for a potential path toward democracy following years of turmoil. However,the complete removal of sanctions would ultimately require Congressional action.
Trump administration announces sanctions relief for Syria
The Trump administration is lifting sanctions on Syria, which was anticipated after President Donald Trump said he would do so during his trip to the Middle East last week.
The sanctions relief could offer improved diplomatic relations with Syria, which ousted the Assad regime late last year after years of civil war.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also waived Caesar Act sanctions, which will allow entities to do business with Syria without fear of U.S. economic retaliation. The lifted sanctions do not allow for transactions that benefit Russia, Iran, or North Korea, the administration noted.
The administration said the lifted sanctions are offered “with the understanding that the country will not offer a safe haven for terrorist organizations and will ensure the security of its religious and ethnic minorities.”
“As President Trump promised, the Treasury Department and the State Department are implementing authorizations to encourage new investment into Syria. Syria must also continue to work towards becoming a stable country that is at peace, and today’s actions will hopefully put the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future,” Bessent said in a statement.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement that credited Trump for the move. “President Trump is providing the Syrian government with the chance to promote peace and stability, both within Syria and in Syria’s relations with its neighbors. The President has made clear his expectation that relief will be followed by prompt action by the Syrian government on important policy priorities,” he said.
Syria is led by President Ahmed al Sharaa, a former member of al Qaeda. Trump met with the Syrian leader last week and told reporters he was a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.”
“He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump said. “He’s a real leader. He led a charge, and he’s pretty amazing.”
People in Syria celebrated the initial news of Trump lifting the sanctions.
“The only other option was Syria becoming a failed state and civil war,” said Mouaz Moustafa, a Syrian American advocate. “Now there is hope for a future democratic Syria.”
Trump said ending the sanctions will give the country a “chance for greatness.”
RUBIO: SYRIAN TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT COULD COLLAPSE WITHOUT US ENGAGEMENT
Rubio said this week that the sanctions would come off incrementally.
Congress would need to take action to remove permanently the penalties it imposed on the country in 2019 via the Caesar Act.
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