US Lifts Sanctions on Syria:In a historic shift, the United States has officially lifted sanctions on Syria, signaling what many hope will be the beginning of a new chapter for the war-torn country. Just a day after the announcement, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barak, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. In a statement following the meeting, the special envoy expressed Washington’s commitment to fully supporting Syria and its citizens as they begin the path to recovery after years of devastating conflict and violence.
US Lifts Sanctions on Syria: Diplomatic Breakthrough As US Envoy Meets Syrian President
United States has officially lifted sanctions on Syria, signaling what many hope will be the beginning of a new chapter for the war-torn country. Just a day after the announcement, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria, Thomas J. Barak, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. In a statement following the meeting, the special envoy expressed Washington’s commitment to fully supporting Syria and its citizens as they begin the path to recovery after years of devastating conflict and violence.
US State secrettary Macro rubio says: “In accordance with the President’s promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, I have issued a 180-day waiver of mandatory Caesar Act sanctions to ensure sanctions do not impede the ability of our partners to make stability-driving investments, and advance Syria’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. These waivers will facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation, and enable a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.”
“In addition, the Department of the Treasury issued Syria General License (GL) 25 to authorize transactions by U.S. persons previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria. The GL will allow for new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President’s America First strategy. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is providing exceptive relief to permit U.S. financial institutions to maintain correspondent accounts for the Commercial Bank of Syria.”
“Today’s actions represent the first step in delivering on the President’s vision of a new relationship between Syria and the United States. 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.”
Thomas Barrack says “I am proud to serve as the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria and work to implement President Trump’s vision for stable Syria”
Damascus Residents Celebrate Sanctions Relief
The decision has sparked a wave of optimism among residents in the capital city of Damascus. Locals celebrated the easing of sanctions, which had been in place for nearly two decades, as a turning point for the nation. One emotional resident shared that upon hearing the news of the Caesar Act sanctions being lifted, they were moved to tears, noting that it was the first time in years that genuine progress toward national recovery felt tangible.
Syrian Interior Ministry Praises Foreign Affairs Efforts
Syria’s Interior Ministry praised the Foreign Affairs Ministry for its persistent diplomatic efforts, which were instrumental in the lifting of the sanctions. Officials believe the move will have a wide-ranging positive impact across government institutions and the broader domestic landscape. The interior ministry credited the resilience and patience of the Syrian people for helping make this milestone possible.
Foreign Ministry Opens Door for International Cooperation
In response to the global interest following the easing of sanctions, the Syrian Foreign Ministry extended an open invitation to all countries willing to cooperate with Damascus. However, it emphasized that any cooperation must respect Syria’s sovereignty and not involve interference in its internal affairs.
Talks Begin to Reintegrate Families from Al-Hol Refugee Camp
On the humanitarian front, a Syrian government delegation met with families of suspected Islamic State affiliates at the Al-Hol camp in northeastern Syria. The discussions, held with Kurdish officials, focused on creating a mechanism to relocate Syrian families from the camp back to their original communities. This marks a critical step toward national reconciliation and stability.
As Syria stands at the threshold of a new era, the lifting of US sanctions is being viewed as a major milestone. With diplomatic engagement, national unity, and international cooperation, the country now has a renewed opportunity to rebuild its institutions and society after years of hardship.