President Donald Trump is set to formally dismantle sweeping US sanctions against Syria today, marking a pivotal shift aimed at reintegrating the war-battered nation into the global economy.
This executive order terminates a “national emergency” enacted in 2004.
The move follows appeals from key regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
The decision comes after a significant change in Syrian leadership.
Former Islamist guerrilla Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed control, ending the half-century rule of the Assad family.
The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, stated this action seeks to “promote and support the country’s path to stability and peace.”
While most economic restrictions will lift, sanctions will remain on elements of the former government.
This includes Bashar al-Assad, who reportedly fled to Russia late last year.
Syria recently completed its first electronic transfer through the international banking system since its brutal civil war began in 2011.
Meanwhile, Israel, a historic adversary, is reportedly eyeing normalized ties with Syria and Lebanon.
This interest emerges as Iranian influence in both nations significantly recedes, partly due to ongoing Israeli strikes.
Despite these developments, the United States still classifies Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism.
A designation that could take more time to fully lift and continues to deter major investment.
