WASHINGTON, D.C.: In a significant policy shift, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order officially ending the longstanding sanctions programme against Syria. The move, announced Monday, is aimed at supporting Syria’s efforts to achieve long-term stability and peace, according to a statement by the White House and Syrian state media.
The executive order includes a directive to lift restrictions under the Caesar Act and calls for a review of current sanctions policies. It also allows the easing of export controls on specific goods and permits certain types of foreign assistance to Syria to resume.
The White House said the order empowers the Secretary of State to assess whether future sanctions may be lifted in whole or in part, depending on developments on the ground and Syria’s progress toward peace and reconciliation.
The order further instructs a review of Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and explores the possibility of initiating broader international sanctions relief through the United Nations.
In the official statement, the White House reaffirmed President Trump’s position that the United States stands ready to support a “stable, unified Syria” that can exist peacefully with its neighbours.
The policy change has sparked wide interest, marking one of the most substantial US foreign policy pivots regarding Syria in recent years. While critics remain cautious, others view the order as a bold step towards opening dialogue and encouraging reconstruction efforts in the war-torn nation.
The next phase will likely involve multilateral discussions, with Washington looking to partner with allies and global institutions to monitor Syria’s progress and coordinate further actions based on human rights, governance, and regional cooperation.
