The administration recently announced its decision to relax sanctions on Syria, fulfilling a commitment made earlier this month regarding President Trump’s long-standing involvement in the Civil War there.
The Ministry of Finance stated on Friday that a general license (GL) 25 has been issued for Syria, allowing a series of transactions involving the new government under Ahmad al-Sharaa. This measure should open the door for fresh investments and private sector initiatives, aiming to lift most sanctions that were imposed during the rule of former president Bashar Assad.
Assad was removed from power late last year amidst rebel efforts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared on Friday that a 180-day exemption has been put in place to ensure U.S. partners can proceed with investments without being hindered by sanctions. He noted that these exemptions will facilitate the provision of essential services like water, energy, and electricity, thus promoting a more effective humanitarian response across Syria.
“These actions are the initial steps toward achieving the President’s vision for a new relationship between Syria and the United States,” Rubio mentioned in a statement. “President Trump is offering the Syrian government a pathway to enhance peace and stability, both domestically and with its neighbors.”
He also conveyed the President’s hope that Syria will take decisive actions on important policy matters.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent emphasized that Syria should aim to become a “stable” country focused on “peace,” adding that Friday’s federal actions will pave the way for a promising and stable future for the nation.
Earlier in the month, Trump expressed his intention to lift sanctions during a trip across the Middle East. He highlighted that leaders, such as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have been advocates for lifting these restrictions.
The White House reported that the President met with al-Sharaa last week, urging him to distance his government from Palestinian and Syrian terrorist groups and to thwart the resurgence of ISIS.
