A historic decree following Assad’s fall
On June 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a decree officially ending all economic sanctions against Syria. This decision, effective immediately, marks a major change in the United States foreign policy in the Middle East. It closes a long chapter of tensions, embargoes, and political isolation that had lasted for nearly fifty years.
This shift comes after major political changes in Syria. In December 2024, Bashar al-Assad’s regime was overthrown by a coalition of rebel forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Since then, a transitional government has been formed, with Ahmed Al-Charaa as interim president. In May 2025, Donald Trump met with Al-Charaa during a visit to Saudi Arabia, signaling the beginning of a diplomatic thaw between the two countries.
A new approach to peace and reconstruction
According to the White House, the decision aims to support Syria on its path to peace and stability. By lifting most of the sanctions, the United States hopes to help the country rebuild, attract foreign investment, and reconnect with the international community.
Concrete steps have already been taken: the U.S. now allows trade with Syria, international bank transfers are permitted again, and exceptions have been granted to the “Caesar Act,” a 2020 law that punished any economic cooperation with Assad’s regime.
Syria’s new foreign minister, Assad Hassan Al-Chibani, welcomed the decision as “a turning point.” He said that ending the sanctions opens “a new era of prosperity, reconstruction, and the return of displaced Syrians.” The new Syrian government sees this as a strong sign of international recognition and hopes it will speed up the country’s recovery.
Sanctions that still remain in place
Not all sanctions have been lifted. The United States is keeping restrictions on Bashar al-Assad, now in exile in Russia, as well as on his close allies, those responsible for human rights abuses, and people connected to the Islamic State or drug trafficking networks.
Syria remains on the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this could change soon. He also promised to review the terrorist designations of HTS and of President Al-Charaa.
Regional allies and diplomatic pressures
This shift in U.S. policy was strongly supported by Washington’s regional partners. Saudi Arabia and Turkey had been calling for an end to sanctions for months, saying it was necessary to restart Syria’s economy. Their influence played a key role in Trump’s decision.
Israel, too, has shown interest in improving relations with Syria. On July 1st, the Israeli foreign minister said his country was open to normalising ties with Syria and Lebanon as part of the Abraham Accords, originally signed with several Arab countries in 2020.
An uncertain future ahead
Trump’s decision could change the balance of power in the Middle East. But many questions remain: will Syria’s new leaders respect democracy and human rights? Will the militias stay under control? Will the lifting of sanctions be enough to bring real peace?
