Mon Jun 30 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Trump Ends U.S. Sanctions on Syria in Policy Shift**

*Washington, D.C. – July 1, 2025:* In a significant reversal of long-standing policy, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday ending U.S. sanctions on Syria. The move, fulfilling a campaign promise, is intended to “promote and support the country’s path to stability and peace,” according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

While sanctions remain on former President Bashar Assad, his top aides, and family members, the order lifts the national emergency declared by former President George W. Bush and aims to reintegrate Syria into the international financial system, encouraging global commerce and investment. Treasury officials, led by acting under secretary Brad Smith, highlighted the potential for investment from neighboring countries and the U.S.

The decision follows a meeting between President Trump and Syria’s interim leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in May, where Trump pledged to lift sanctions and explore normalizing relations. The European Union has also followed suit, lifting the majority of its sanctions.

Despite the relaxation of economic restrictions, the U.S. continues to designate Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism and the group led by al-Sharaa as a foreign terrorist organization. The State Department is reportedly reviewing these designations. Sanctions targeting terrorist groups and manufacturers of the stimulant Captagon will also remain in place.

The move marks a major shift in U.S.-Syria relations after 13 years of civil war and decades of sanctions.

Read More