President Donald Trump will sign an executive order lifting comprehensive U.S. economic sanctions against Syria, the White House confirmed Tuesday, marking a dramatic reversal in American policy toward the Assad regime.
The order, effective July 15, eliminates restrictions that have barred:
- Trade with Syrian state entities
- Oil sector investments
- Financial transactions with Syrian banks
- Asset freezes targeting Assad allies
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt justified the move, stating: “Recent intelligence cooperation with Damascus has proven critical in eliminating ISIS strongholds. This sanctions relief recognizes strategic counter-terror alignment.”
NEW: President Trump just signed an Executive Order terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country’s path to stability and peace.
The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug…
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 30, 2025
The decision follows months of backchannel talks between U.S. and Syrian officials, including a secret meeting in Oman where Syria pledged to:
- Share real-time ISIS intelligence
- Curb Iranian militia activities
- Facilitate prisoner releases
Critics immediately condemned the move. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) tweeted: “Rewarding Assad’s war crimes is morally bankrupt,” referencing Syria’s 500,000+ civilian deaths.
Sanctions experts warn the move could:
- Enable Russian firms to access Syrian oil via shell companies
- Undermine accountability for chemical weapons attacks
- Trigger secondary sanctions from EU allies
The State Department will issue compliance guidelines by July 10.
