Trump Signs Executive Order to Lift Sanctions on Syria, Signals Shift in U.S. Policy
In a significant policy move, former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order officially terminating the longstanding sanctions program against Syria. The decision, confirmed by the White House via an official fact sheet, is being framed as a step toward supporting stability and peace in the war-torn country.
According to the White House, the executive order lifts broad economic sanctions on Syria, while maintaining targeted sanctions on President Bashar al-Assad and individuals closely associated with his regime. The order also eases export controls on select goods and grants waivers for certain types of foreign assistance to the country.
“The order marks a historic shift, aimed at opening new channels for economic recovery while preserving pressure on those responsible for human rights abuses,” the White House noted.
As part of the directive, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been tasked with engaging the United Nations to explore additional options for sanctions relief that would support Syria’s long-term stability.
Syria has been listed by the U.S. as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1979. Over the decades, multiple layers of sanctions have been imposed, including Executive Order 13338 in 2004 and further restrictions in 2011 targeting the Syrian economy amid the civil war and crackdown on protesters. Trump first revealed his intent to lift the sanctions during remarks at an investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13.
This reversal in U.S. foreign policy is likely to spark global debate, as it marks a shift away from the maximum-pressure approach that has characterized Washington’s stance on Damascus for over a decade.
