Washington, July 1, 2025 (Agencies): In a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order lifting the majority of American economic sanctions on Syria, citing the need to support the war-torn country’s “path to stability and peace.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the move as a fulfillment of the president’s pledge made during a May meeting with Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Saudi Arabia.
“This is another promise made and promise kept,” Leavitt said, adding that the measure aims to end Syria’s isolation from the global financial system and encourage regional and international investment.
According to Brad Smith, the Treasury Department’s acting under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, the executive order intends to stimulate trade, normalize financial relations, and rebuild economic ties after years of conflict. Smith emphasized that the decision does not lift sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act, which target former President Bashar Assad, his inner circle, and individuals accused of human rights violations or involvement in narcotics trafficking and chemical weapons programs.
In addition to lifting broader financial restrictions, the order also terminates the national emergency status declared in a 2004 executive order by President George W. Bush, which targeted Syria’s regional activities and weapons development efforts. A total of five prior executive orders linked to Syria were also rescinded.
However, targeted sanctions remain in place against designated terrorist groups and individuals involved in the production and trafficking of Captagon, a stimulant widely linked to regional smuggling networks.
The European Union has reportedly followed suit, lifting most of its own remaining sanctions on Syria. Still, Syria remains listed by the U.S. as a state sponsor of terrorism, and the group led by Al-Sharaa is also designated as a foreign terrorist organization—designations that the State Department is now reviewing.
The White House posted the text of the executive order on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the signing, which was closed to the press.