President Trump lifts all sanctions on Syria, paving the way for the war-torn nation to rebuild under new leadership after nearly two decades of economic isolation.
At a Glance
- President Donald Trump announced the complete lifting of US sanctions on Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024
- Ahmed al-Sharaa now leads Syria’s transitional government, which is working to distance itself from extremist groups
- The decision came after high-level meetings with Saudi and Turkish leaders who advocate for Syria’s reintegration into the international community
- Syria faces enormous reconstruction challenges with over 90% of its population living in poverty after 14 years of war
- The move is expected to enable international investment and banking access critical for Syria’s economic recovery
Trump’s Decision Ends Decades of Economic Isolation
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his administration will lift all sanctions imposed on Syria, marking a dramatic shift in US foreign policy. The announcement came during Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his three-day Middle East tour that includes Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The decision effectively ended restrictions dating back to 2004 and 2011, when Syria was designated as a state sponsor of terrorism and later punished for the Assad regime’s violent crackdown on civilian protests.
“In Syria, which has seen so much misery and death, there is a new government that will hopefully succeed in stabilizing the country and keeping peace. That’s what we want to see,” said President Trump during his announcement. The move represents a significant opportunity for Syria, which has been economically isolated for nearly two decades and devastated by civil war, sectarian violence, and terrorist activity, including the Islamic State’s territorial control in 2014.
U.S. President Donald Trump met with Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh. The meeting, which also included Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was characterized by limited details, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the discussions held.
The encounter comes… pic.twitter.com/43FD2GcmjW
— Bakhtar News Agency (@bnaenglish) May 14, 2025
New Leadership Under Ahmed al-Sharaa
The policy shift comes after the Assad regime was toppled in December 2024, leading to a transitional government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Trump met with al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia following the sanctions announcement, in talks facilitated by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The meeting also included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joining via phone.
“I will be ordering the cessation of sanctions against Syria in order to give them a chance at greatness,” Trump stated during his announcement in Saudi Arabia. The US had maintained sanctions while evaluating the new government, which has been working to gain international legitimacy by distancing itself from terrorist organizations.
During the meeting, Trump urged al-Sharaa to take several significant steps, including deporting Palestinian terrorists, signing the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel, assisting in fighting Islamic State remnants, and appropriately handling Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles. These requests align with a broader 12-point list of conditions previously outlined by the State Department for ending sanctions.
Economic Recovery Challenges Ahead
Syria faces monumental challenges in rebuilding its economy after 14 years of devastating war. More than 90% of the population lives in poverty, and critical infrastructure across the country lies in ruins. The lifting of sanctions was a top priority for Syria’s new leadership, as American restrictions had blocked access to the international Swift banking system, making trade and reconstruction efforts nearly impossible.
“The removal of those sanctions offers a vital opportunity for Syria to pursue stability, self-sufficiency, and meaningful national reconstruction, led by and for the Syrian people,” stated the Syrian Foreign Ministry following Trump’s announcement.
The decision has been celebrated throughout Damascus, with jubilant crowds taking to the streets and social media videos showing citizens dancing to Trump’s speeches. International organizations including the United Nations, Red Cross, and Arab League had long advocated for sanctions relief, especially following the devastating earthquake that struck Syria in 2023, further complicating humanitarian efforts in the already struggling nation.
Regional Investment and Diplomatic Implications
The end of sanctions paves the way for substantial investment from neighboring Arab states and Turkey, who have been pushing for Syria’s reintegration into the regional community. Several Arab countries, including the UAE and Jordan, had already been advocating for Syria’s return to the Arab League. The Saudi-led initiative to normalize relations with Syria now has firm American backing, potentially accelerating reconstruction efforts.
“This wasn’t something that was too difficult for Trump to do,” said Omar Rahman, a Middle East analyst. “He didn’t need to get permission from anybody. He didn’t even need consent from Congress.”
Trump’s decision comes despite reported Israeli concerns about the Islamist-aligned government in Damascus. However, the possibility of Syria joining the Abraham Accords could potentially ease these tensions. Reports indicate that Syria has offered access to oil resources and reassurances regarding Israel’s security as part of the diplomatic negotiations, showing the new government’s pragmatic approach to international relations and economic recovery.
