Image Credentials: Image Title: Trump Lifts Sanctions on Syria in Historic Executive Order Source: (sora.chatgpt) Date: June 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (sora.chatgpt), it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer with Agencies
Washington, D.C. — In a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday lifting long-standing sanctions on Syria, signaling a new chapter in the country’s relations with the United States. The order removes sanctions on the Syrian government while maintaining restrictions on former President Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights violators, drug traffickers, and groups linked to terrorism, including ISIS and Iranian proxies.
In a statement accompanying the executive order, President Trump emphasized that Syria’s newly elected leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has taken “positive actions,” paving the way for the U.S. to support a Syria that is “stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.” The President stressed that a united Syria free from terrorist organizations and capable of safeguarding its diverse religious and ethnic communities would be key to ensuring regional security and prosperity.
“The stability of Syria is critical to regional peace,” President Trump said. “A Syria that does not offer a haven for terrorists will support the security of the region, including that of its neighbors.”
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The executive order marks a significant reversal of previous U.S. policy, which imposed strict sanctions on Syria for its involvement in regional conflicts, human rights abuses, and support for terrorist groups. Although the order lifts sanctions on Syria, it retains restrictions on several key targets:
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Bashar al-Assad: The former president remains sanctioned for his role in brutal crackdowns against Syrian civilians and the use of chemical weapons.
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Terrorist Organizations: Sanctions continue for individuals and groups linked to ISIS, al-Qaeda, and other terrorist activities.
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Iranian Proxies: Entities connected to Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region, particularly in Syria, will remain under sanctions.
The executive order also tasks Secretary of State Marco Rubio with evaluating whether to suspend sanctions on Syria, either partially or fully, depending on Syria’s actions in fulfilling certain conditions under the Caesar Act, which imposes sanctions on the Assad regime for atrocities committed against Syrian civilians.
A Chance for Change
The move comes after Trump’s face-to-face meeting with President al-Sharaa in May, where he promised to ease sanctions if Syria made positive changes. Last month, the administration had already taken initial steps by easing some restrictions, setting the stage for Monday’s executive order.
During his visit to the Middle East, President Trump expressed optimism about Syria’s potential for a “new beginning” under al-Sharaa’s leadership. Analysts believe the new president could be a key figure in reducing Iran’s influence in the region, especially as Syria works toward improving ties with neighboring Arab states and Israel.
Potential Impact on the Abraham Accords
The timing of the executive order also coincides with efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, a 2020 agreement brokered by the U.S. between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. The accords normalized diplomatic relations between the UAE, Bahrain, and Israel, a historic step in the Middle East. Syria, along with other regional players, is now being considered as a potential future member of the accords.
In his meeting with al-Sharaa, President Trump had urged Syria to join the accords, a call that went unanswered at the time. However, the lifting of sanctions could serve as a foundation for future diplomatic engagements, potentially leading Syria to reconsider its position in the region.
Secretary of State’s Role
Secretary Rubio has been instructed to review the possibility of relaxing sanctions if Syria meets specific criteria, such as fulfilling commitments under the Caesar Act and taking steps toward peace with its neighbors. Rubio will also explore the possibility of lifting Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and reconsider the terrorist designations of both Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The executive order also includes provisions to allow some loosening of export controls and waive certain restrictions on foreign aid to Syria.
A Historic Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy
This move marks a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy, with President Trump signaling a willingness to engage diplomatically with Syria in a bid to stabilize the region. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the president’s actions, highlighting that the order fulfills Trump’s promise to support peace and stability in the Middle East.
“This is a promise kept,” Leavitt said. “The president is committed to ensuring that Syria, under President al-Sharaa, has a chance to thrive, and that a unified Syria will contribute to a more stable region.”
Trump, reflecting on the importance of the decision, stated, “The sanctions were brutal and crippling at the time, but now it’s time for Syria to show us something special. We’re giving them a chance at greatness.”
The Road Ahead
The lifting of sanctions represents a momentous change in the U.S. approach to Syria, one that will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike. The executive order’s long-term impact on Syria’s stability, its relationship with Iran, and its role in the wider Middle East remains to be seen.
As the U.S. administration continues to navigate the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, Monday’s order could signal the beginning of a new chapter in Syria’s engagement with the international community.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.