Ending the Syria Sanctions Program for the Benefit of the Syrian People

Today, President Trump issued a new Executive Order (E.O.) terminating the Syria Sanctions Program and the national emergency with respect to Syria, effective July 1.  While the sanctions program is ending, sanctions remain in effect for individuals and entities related to Bashar al-Assad and his cronies – as well as human rights abusers, captagon traffickers, persons linked to Syria’s past proliferation activities, ISIS and Al-Qa’ida affiliates, and Iran and its terrorist proxies.  The E.O. also permits the relaxation of certain restrictions on exports to Syria.  These actions reflect the President’s vision of fostering a new relationship between the United States and a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbors.   

In addition to these measures, I will examine the potential full suspension of the Caesar Act, take all appropriate action with respect to the Foreign Terrorist Organization designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), and review the Specially Designated Global Terrorist designations of HTS and President al-Sharaa, as well as Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.  I will also explore avenues at the United Nations to provide further sanctions relief.  

Today’s actions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Syria as they work to shape a future that is safe, stable, and successful. 

For more information, please refer to the White House Fact Sheet and the Department of State ‘Termination of Syria Sanctions’ Fact Sheet. Today’s action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) ‘Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,’ as amended.  For more information on designations, please refer to Treasury’s Press Release.