Donald Trump Ends Most US Sanctions Against Syria

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday, June 30, lifting the majority of economic sanctions imposed on Syria for several decades, except those still targeting former President Bashar al-Assad and his close associates. This decision marks a major step in the rapprochement between Washington and Damascus, which occurred after Assad's fall last December.

According to the White House, this decree aims to encourage stability and peace in Syria, while facilitating its return to the international financial system. Since Trump's surprise announcement last May, Washington has gradually eased restrictions to allow new investments in the country, ravaged by more than a decade of civil war.

The Syrian foreign minister hailed this decision as a “significant turning point” paving the way for reconstruction, development, and the return of displaced persons. However, targeted sanctions against Assad, his allies, perpetrators of human rights violations, and terrorist groups remain in effect.

This partial lifting of sanctions comes in a changing regional context, with Israel expressing interest in normalizing relations with Syria and Lebanon, particularly within the framework of the Abraham Accords. Washington has not yet removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a major obstacle to a full resumption of economic relations.

This move by Trump marks a diplomatic turning point, while maintaining targeted pressure on officials of the Syrian regime.

Leddjy Nayhah Frédéric