President Trump Lifts Major U.S. Sanctions off Syria – July 1 Implementation

 

U.S. President Trump lifted additional American sanctions on Syria (the majority of them, according to a post by Syrian Finance Minister Yusr Barniyah), effective today, July 1, after signing an executive order yesterday, June 30.

According to the decree:

• Six previous executive orders issued between 2004 and 2011 were cancelled, including the emergency status declared due to Syria.

• Exemptions were granted from the Caesar Act and the Chemical Weapons Law, lifting restrictions on exports and aid, with official recognition of a significant shift in Syria’s leadership.

• The U.S. State Department was directed to engage at the United Nations to promote sanctions relief and assist Syria in combating terrorism and adhering to international agreements.

• Sanctions were expanded against former Assad regime officials.

• The order requests that the Secretary of State review the designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Ahmad al-Shar’a as global terrorists and reassess Syria’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism.

• Sanctions remain in place against terrorists and criminals, including:

  • ISIS

  • Chemical weapons users

  • Individuals deemed threats to regional stability

The order also stated that the U.S. administration will continue to monitor potential threats and prioritize objectives such as:

• Concrete steps toward normalization with Israel

• Combating foreign terrorists and deporting “Palestinian” militants

• Preventing the return of ISIS and ensuring Syria takes responsibility for its detention centers

The decision lifted restrictions on financial transactions, including:

• Banking transfers

• Private sector investment

• Dealings with the Syrian Central Bank

The U.S. Treasury Department stated via X that the decision gives Syria a chance to reconnect with global trade and build international trust.

Syrian Foreign Minister As’ad al-Shibani described the decision as a turning point that moves Syria toward stability, prosperity, and engagement with the international community. Finance Minister Yusr Barniyah confirmed Syria's intention to capitalize on the opportunities, continue reinforcing sound financial governance, and enhance transparency in financial operations.

It’s worth noting that U.S. sanctions on Syria—accumulated since 1979 and intensified following Bashar al-Assad’s crackdown on civilians and the country's transformation into a drug production hub—devastated Syria’s economy, infrastructure, currency value, and inflation levels, leaving 90% of the population under the poverty line, according to UN statistics.

With two million refugees returning following Assad’s fall, Syria urgently needs substantial economic resources to provide housing and employment. The Syrian government has turned to aid and loans in place of foreign investment, explicitly refusing to saddle the country with debt. On June 24, the World Bank disbursed a $145 million grant to support electricity and economic recovery.

Meanwhile, President Ahmad al-Shar’a raised public sector salaries and pensions by 200% starting July 1, with Qatar and Saudi Arabia expressing readiness to support the raise.

The decision concluded by affirming that President Trump is committed to supporting a united, stable, and peaceful Syria, and sees sanctions relief as a way to boost reconstruction, counter terrorism, reject extremism, and promote security and prosperity in the Middle East.

Moumin sawady.