USA lifts sanctions against Syria – a turning point for peace!

USA lifts sanctions against Syria – a turning point for peace!

The US government issued a landmark decree lifting sanctions against Syria on Monday, June 30, 2025. President Donald Trump signed the measure, seen as a strategic move to promote stability and peace in the shattered country. According to government spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, this decision was announced about a month and a half ago during a trip to the Middle East. Hopes are high that the easing of sanctions will attract new investment in Syria and facilitate humanitarian aid.

However, the decision does not come without limitations. The sanctions against President Bashar al-Assad and his close associates remain in place. Action will also continue against human rights violators, drug traffickers and those linked to chemical weapons. It is clear that this shows that Washington wants to be precise with its measures and does not want to completely break with the old Syrian leadership. In addition, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is to review the classification of the Islamist militia Haiat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a foreign terrorist organization. During the course of the civil war, this gained decisive influence on the Syrian transitional government, which largely consists of its members.

The effects of repeal

With the easing of economic sanctions, the US is also facilitating financial transactions with the Syrian central bank. This could help boost economic activity and improve the humanitarian situation in the country, where around 90 percent of the population relies on some form of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN refugee agency. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that any transactions with the new Syrian government will be possible, but not if they favor Russia, Iran or North Korea.

The EU has also decided to lift all remaining economic sanctions against Syria. This shows that there is a common interest in restabilizing the country in the region. The new measures are also intended to provide electricity, water and energy, which are urgently needed in many parts of the country.

A look into the future

The new Syrian leadership is calling for the complete lifting of all sanctions. While the lifting of restrictions under Assad is drawing mixed reactions, the international community remains vigilant. Marco Rubio is instructed, among other things, to examine possible further steps to discuss lifting sanctions in the United Nations Council. The signs are initially pointing to a dialogic rapprochement, but the next few months will show whether the measures can actually contribute to the stabilization of Syria.

This update on developments in Syria is just one piece of a larger puzzle unfolding in the region. The entire world is watching closely to see how the political dynamics and humanitarian situation in the country will develop.

For further information on this topic, see also Radio Wuppertal, Abendzeitung München and ZDF Today.