On Friday, the United States unveiled a significant rollback of sanctions on Syria, signaling a major shift in U.S. foreign policy intended to aid the country’s recovery following over a decade of civil war. The move follows a high-level summit in Saudi Arabia last week between President Donald Trump and Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued General License 25 (GL25), which authorizes a wide range of financial and commercial transactions previously prohibited under the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. The measure effectively lifts restrictions on several major Syrian institutions and entities, including the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Arab Airlines, state-owned oil and gas companies, and the Four Seasons Damascus hotel.
The administration positioned the license as a tool to stimulate private investment and economic activity in Syria, aligning the decision with broader goals of promoting stability and encouraging the country’s reintegration into international economic systems.
At the same time, the U.S. State Department granted a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, temporarily halting penalties aimed at discouraging involvement with institutions linked to the former Assad era. The waiver is intended to support reconstruction and humanitarian efforts, with a focus on critical sectors including energy, water supply, sanitation, and healthcare services.
The decision to ease sanctions follows significant political changes in Syria. Sharaa, a former militant commander once sanctioned under the name Abu Muhammad al-Jawlani, led the coalition of opposition forces that ousted longtime Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. With Sharaa now heading the interim government, the U.S. is recalibrating its approach to reflect the new leadership and evolving regional dynamics.
According to White House officials, the sanctions relief was part of a broader diplomatic strategy discussed during the Trump-Sharaa meeting in Riyadh. The U.S. outlined a set of expectations for the Syrian government in exchange for the policy shift, including the removal of foreign militant groups, the deportation of designated extremists, and increased cooperation with U.S. move to halt a rebirth of the Islamic State.
The policy shift was also reportedly influenced by regional partners, particularly Saudi Arabia. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is said to have played a key role in encouraging Washington to reconsider its stance on Syria, as part of a wider effort to reintegrate the country into Arab diplomatic and economic frameworks.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry responded positively to the announcement, framing the easing of sanctions as a constructive step that could help address the country’s long-standing humanitarian and economic challenges. Syrian officials emphasized the government’s commitment to international cooperation, provided it is based on principles of mutual respect and non-interference.
While the general license lifts key restrictions, the long-standing and multi-layered nature of U.S. sanctions means that uncertainties remain for foreign investors and humanitarian organizations. The risk of future policy reversals or additional conditions could discourage long-term engagement by the private sector.
Nonetheless, humanitarian groups hope the changes will improve access to essential services and enable greater international assistance as Syria begins rebuilding from a conflict that displaced millions and devastated infrastructure.
The U.S. government has made clear that further sanctions relief will depend on the actions of the Syrian government. The current measures are seen as a provisional step toward normalizing relations, contingent on Syria’s adherence to the conditions set forth by the administration.
The developments mark the most significant re-engagement between Washington and Damascus in over a decade, signaling a new phase in U.S. policy toward the war-torn nation.
