Lifting of U.S. Sanctions on Syria: A Historic Turning Point in the Middle East

On May 13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the removal of all American sanctions on Syria during his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a declaration marking a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the war-torn country.

The decision follows the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024 and the rise to power of interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former commander in the HTS militia who led the rebellion against the old regime. Trump emphasized that the move was intended to “give Syria a chance at greatness” and to open a new chapter for the Syrian people after more than a decade of devastating civil war.

The U.S. decision to lift sanctions was accompanied by a similar move from the European Union, which also announced the removal of a series of heavy economic sanctions imposed on the country. EU foreign ministers declared the lifting of restrictions in the energy, transportation, and financial sectors, along with significant easing of banking ties with Syrian banks and the delisting of five major financial institutions from the sanctions list.

According to EU officials, the move is aimed at “supporting the economic recovery and reconstruction of the country” after nearly 14 years of destructive conflict. The European Council stressed that this is a gradual step that will be reviewed periodically based on political and social developments in Syria.

Background to the Sanctions and the Policy Shift

The first American sanctions on Syria were imposed in 2004 in response to the Syrian regime’s support for terrorism and its activities in Lebanon. With the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, sanctions were significantly tightened—especially under the Obama administration—and included economic embargoes, restrictions on trade and investment, disconnection from the international financial system, and a ban on foreign aid. The goal was to pressure the Assad regime and drive a change in its policies.

With the collapse of Assad’s rule and the formation of a new government under al-Sharaa, the U.S. began reassessing its policy. Trump responded to requests from the leaders of Saudi Arabia and Turkey, who pushed for the lifting of sanctions to enable Syria’s recovery and stabilization.

Economic and Political Implications

The lifting of sanctions opens new opportunities for Syria in terms of economic rehabilitation, foreign investment, and humanitarian aid. International aid organizations will be able to operate more freely within the country, and the financial system will be able to reconnect with the global economy. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shibani welcomed the move, calling it a “turning point” for the country’s reconstruction and for building a new relationship with the United States.

At the same time, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions on the international stage. Arab nations have expressed support, while Israel and Western countries are monitoring developments closely—especially in light of Iran’s involvement in Syria and the potential resurgence of radical Islamist elements.

The removal of U.S. sanctions signals hope for the beginning of a new era in a country long plagued by destruction and international isolation. Still, the path to recovery and stability remains long and depends on the new leadership’s ability to foster internal reconciliation, rebuild the economy, and maintain balanced relations with regional and global powers.