US begins lifting sanctions on Syria, treasury chief confirms
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The US Treasury Department has started the process of lifting sanctions on Syria following US President Trump’s announcement during his visit to Saudi Arabia, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s support.
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In this photo released by the Saudi royal Palace, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa shakes hands with US President Donald Trump in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025. (Bandar Aljaloud/AP)
The US Department of the Treasury has officially begun the process of lifting sanctions on Syria, marking a significant shift in US foreign policy.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed the move on social media, stating that this decision is intended to stabilize Syria and support its journey toward peace.
“The Treasury Department is moving to provide sanctions relief to stabilize and move Syria towards peace,” Bessent wrote on X, confirming the department’s intentions.
This marks a change from previous US policies that imposed strict sanctions on Syria under former President Bashar al-Assad.
The sanctions relief comes at a time when Syria is struggling with a prolonged civil conflict that has caused immense destruction and suffering. By easing these restrictions, the US seeks to assist in Syria’s economic recovery, focusing on rebuilding essential infrastructure and supporting peace efforts. This decision comes amid growing international discussions on how to bring an end to the conflict, which has lasted for more than a decade.
Trump’s announcement in Saudi Arabia
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump, during his visit to Saudi Arabia, publicly announced that the United States would lift sanctions on Syria, a decision made at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
This announcement came just before the US-Gulf summit held in Riyadh, signaling a shift in US policy toward Syria and the broader Middle East. Trump had previously expressed concerns over the lack of progress in Syria's peace process, but this move is seen as a step toward facilitating dialogue and improving regional stability.
The Treasury Department is moving to provide sanctions relief to stabilize and move Syria towards peace. Thank you for your leadership @POTUS. https://t.co/T8R0Yd91ay
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) May 14, 2025
Trump’s talks with Syria’s interim President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, prior to the summit, marked a critical moment in US-Syria relations. The discussions focused on Syria’s future and the importance of international cooperation in rebuilding the country. With the backing of Saudi Arabia, one of the most influential countries in the region, this move could help bring Syria back into the fold of regional politics, after years of isolation.
According to Time magazine, the sanctions to be lifted, some of which have been in place since 1979, have included measures such as freezing Syrian assets, banning petroleum imports, and isolating the country from the global economy.
However, certain restrictions, particularly those under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, remain in place and will require Congressional approval to be fully lifted, according to Time.
