President Donald Trump is preparing to sign an executive order that lifts longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, signaling a dramatic shift in American foreign policy. While accountability measures remain in place for Bashar al-Assad and his inner circle, the move supports a fresh start under Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Trump’s Executive Order Details and Immediate Impact
President Donald Trump’s executive order marks a dramatic policy shift, lifting comprehensive sanctions on Syria while maintaining targeted restrictions on specific individuals and entities. The Treasury Department has removed 518 individuals and entities from its sanctions list, offering Syria an opportunity to rebuild after years of economic isolation.
This action follows Syria’s political transition to a new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, which the administration views as a positive development deserving of support. The order also directs the Secretary of State to review terrorist designations and Syria’s status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, potentially paving the way for further normalization.
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump signs executive order LIFTING sanctions on Syria to move towards more peace
Sanctions will remain on Assad, human rights abusers, ISIS, Iranian proxies
Trump is moving to make REAL PROGRESS towards actual Middle Eastern peace pic.twitter.com/lqimud60cc
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) June 30, 2025
Strategic Targeting and Accountability Measures
Despite the broad sanctions relief, the Trump administration maintains targeted sanctions on former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his close associates, and known human rights abusers. The Treasury Department emphasized that 139 individuals and entities affiliated with the former Assad regime remain designated under various authorities to ensure continued accountability.
Sanctions also remain in place for captagon traffickers, ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates, and Iran and its proxies operating in Syria. This targeted approach demonstrates the administration’s commitment to supporting Syria’s stability while holding accountable those responsible for past atrocities.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸🇸🇾 US President Trump to sign executive order to remove all sanctions on Syria. pic.twitter.com/a8VXgs0R93
— BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) June 30, 2025
Broader Foreign Policy Implications
The lifting of sanctions represents a strategic calculation that diplomatic engagement may yield better results than economic pressure in achieving U.S. objectives in Syria. The administration has emphasized that this move supports America’s interest in a stable, unified Syria that can prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups like ISIS.
President Trump highlighted several key priorities that will guide future U.S.-Syria relations, including normalizing ties with Israel and countering Iranian influence in the region. The Treasury Department noted that sanctions are tools meant to bring about positive behavioral change rather than simply punish, signaling a willingness to adjust policy as circumstances evolve.
The executive order also encourages exploring sanctions relief at the United Nations, suggesting a coordinated international approach to Syria’s reintegration into the global community. This comprehensive strategy reflects Trump’s foreign policy approach of reassessing longstanding positions and seeking pragmatic solutions to complex regional challenges.