Key Facts
• On June 30, 2025, Trump signed an executive order lifting most Syria sanctions.
• Sanctions removal aims to aid Syria’s reconstruction after years of civil war.
• The order includes reviewing Syria’s 1979 ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ designation.
• It directs the removal of HTS from the ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ list.
• The ‘Caesar Act,’ imposing sanctions on foreign firms dealing with Syria, may be halted.
• This marks a major shift in U.S. policy toward Syria after 40 years.
• In May 2025, Trump met with interim Syrian President Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
• Trump requested Syria join the Abraham Accords to normalize ties with Israel.
Summary
On June 30, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to lift most sanctions on Syria, signaling a significant policy shift after four decades. The move aims to accelerate Syria’s reconstruction following prolonged civil war and improve relations with Western nations and Israel. The order includes reviewing Syria’s designation as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism,’ removing the HTS group from the ‘Foreign Terrorist Organization’ list, and potentially halting the ‘Caesar Act,’ which penalizes foreign companies engaging with Syria. During a May 2025 meeting in Saudi Arabia with Syrian interim President Sharaa, Trump proposed Syria’s participation in the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel. This development could pave the way for enhanced regional diplomacy and economic recovery in Syria.
