Trump signs order lifting key financial sanctions on Syria

US President Donald Trump has issued a new executive order lifting key financial sanctions on Syria, a move the White House described as a major step toward stability in the region following the removal of President Bashar al-Assad from power.

According to a White House spokesperson, the order repeals a 2004 declaration that froze Syrian government assets and imposed export restrictions over Syria’s chemical weapons program.

While most financial sanctions will now be lifted, some restrictions will remain, particularly those imposed under the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which was aimed at deterring support for reconstruction efforts tied to the Assad regime.

The US designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism will also stay in effect.

The US State Department stated that the lifted sanctions specifically target “entities critical to Syria’s development, the operation of its government, and the rebuilding of the country’s social fabric.”

Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shaibani welcomed the decision, calling it “a vital step toward economic recovery” and an opportunity to reopen channels with the international community.

Read: Syrian couple names newborn "Trump Ahmed" to celebrate sanctions relief

President Trump had earlier pledged to ease sanctions during his visit to several Arab countries in May. On Monday, he reaffirmed that commitment, saying in a statement, “The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.”

He added, “A united Syria that does not offer safe haven to terrorist organisations, and that guarantees the security of its religious and ethnic minorities, will contribute to regional security and prosperity.”

Trump directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to consider lifting certain sanctions under the Caesar Act, allowing for the easing of controls on certain exports, and lifting certain restrictions on foreign aid.

The Secretary of State is also directed to review the designation of Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a terrorist and Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and to consider possible steps to ease sanctions through the United Nations.