US President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Monday that will lift broad US sanctions on Syria, according to the White House. The move aims to support Syria’s reconstruction efforts following years of devastating civil war, while maintaining targeted measures against certain individuals and groups.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced that although the sanctions on Syria as a country will be removed, restrictive measures will remain in place against former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, his close associates, and others accused of human rights abuses, drug trafficking, involvement with chemical weapons, and connections to ISIS.
The announcement follows Trump’s meeting with Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, which took place during his recent visit to the Middle East. Leavitt emphasized that this step reflects Trump’s commitment to backing “a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.” She described it as part of the president’s broader promise to promote peace and stability in the region.
Trump had initially announced plans to ease sanctions in May, framing it as part of efforts to facilitate Syria’s recovery and reintegration into the international community after years of conflict. While the executive order will offer relief to Syria’s struggling economy, it stops short of fully normalizing ties, as significant figures linked to past abuses remain sanctioned.
Reports suggest the executive order will be formally signed on Monday afternoon. This development marks a notable shift in US policy toward Syria, balancing support for rebuilding efforts while still holding specific individuals accountable for past actions.
Observers see the move as both a diplomatic gesture to Syria’s new leadership and a strategic step aimed at fostering regional stability without overlooking previous violations. The White House underscored that the administration remains vigilant regarding security threats, especially those posed by extremist groups.
