Syria Welcomes US Move to Ease Sanctions as 'Positive Step' Toward Recovery

Pratiksha Ghosh 

Syria, May 24:

Syria has described the recent decision by the United States to relax longstanding sanctions as a "positive step" that could help alleviate the country’s humanitarian and economic crisis, according to a statement issued by its foreign ministry.

The Syrian government remarked that it is open to working with international partners, provided there is no interference in its internal affairs. 

“Syria extends its hand to all who are willing to engage in cooperation based on mutual respect and non-intervention,” the ministry said.

The development follows a major shift in U.S. policy, with the Trump administration on May 23 granting broad exemptions from sanctions that have crippled Syria's economy for years. This marks the first substantial move towards fulfilling President Donald Trump’s pledge to roll back punitive measures dating back decades.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas Barrack, met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister during their visit to Ankara on May 24. Barrack confirmed that the U.S. is committed to helping Syria rebuild and stabilise after years of conflict. 

“The easing of sanctions will support the defeat of ISIS and lay the groundwork for a more hopeful future for Syrians,” Barrack said.

He also praised President al-Sharaa for showing willingness to address U.S. concerns on key issues including terrorism, relations with Israel, and the situation in camps and detention centres in northeast Syria controlled by Kurdish-led forces.

Under the new policy, the U.S. State Department has temporarily waived several provisions of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act—an act passed in 2019 that imposed strict sanctions on the Syrian regime and entities associated with it. The U.S. 

Treasury has also suspended enforcement actions against individuals and companies conducting business with Syrian institutions, including the central bank, for a period of six months.

Although this move opens the door for limited economic engagement, experts note that businesses may remain cautious due to the temporary nature of the relief. The sanctions can be reinstated once the waiver expires, potentially limiting investment in reconstruction efforts.

President Trump recently stated that the U.S. is prepared to dismantle the broader sanctions framework to support Syria’s transition and recovery. The sanctions were originally imposed in response to the Assad regime’s alliance with Iranian militias, use of chemical weapons, and human rights abuses during the conflict.

Syrians on the ground also expressed cautious optimism. 

Damascus resident Nael Kaddah said the lifting of restrictions could revive the country’s economy. 

“We can finally receive money transfers without high fees and delays. This will help many families,” he said.

The foreign ministry concluded its statement by emphasizing that Syria’s focus in the coming months would be on reconstruction and reintegrating into the international community. 

The ministry said “The road ahead is one of rebuilding and reclaiming Syria’s rightful place in the region”.