Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Jul 1: In a significant geopolitical shift, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order officially terminating the United States' longstanding sanctions program on Syria, the White House announced on Monday.
The move is seen as a step towards reintegrating Syria into the global financial system and supporting its recovery from years of brutal civil war. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that while the blanket sanctions are lifted, targeted restrictions will remain in place against individuals and groups tied to war crimes, terrorism, and chemical weapons use.
“Sanctions will continue against Syria’s ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his close associates, human rights violators, narcotics networks, and entities affiliated with the Islamic State and Iranian proxies,” Leavitt stated during a media briefing.
Assad’s regime was toppled in December following a swift and coordinated offensive by Islamist-led rebel factions. In the months since, Syria’s transitional government has reportedly made efforts to reconnect with international partners and restore economic stability.
Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, took to social media platform X to welcome the development, stating, “This decision paves the way for long-awaited reconstruction and national development.” He further remarked that the lifting of US sanctions would remove a major hurdle to Syria’s economic recovery.
The landmark decision follows a surprise announcement made during President Trump’s meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh this past May. The president’s declaration in the Saudi capital marked a major departure from previous US foreign policy towards Syria, triggering a swift recalibration of Washington’s stance.
Analysts believe this move could lead to increased international engagement with Syria, potentially encouraging investment, infrastructure rebuilding, and humanitarian cooperation—although skepticism remains over how quickly the nation can recover from over a decade of conflict.