The United States has announced the lifting of most sanctions on Syria and signalled it may remove Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its terrorism list in the future.
A State Department statement confirmed the review also includes the “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” label applied to HTS and to President Al-Sharaa himself.
Additionally, Washington may revisit Syria’s status as a “state sponsor of terrorism” in light of the new political landscape.
“Today’s actions mark the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Syria,” the statement said, adding that further sanctions relief could be pursued through the United Nations.
The shift follows the ousting of the former dictator of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, and the emergence of a new, more Western-friendly, post-Assad Syrian leadership.
The HTS rebel group played a leading role in the armed uprising that ended the Assad family’s long and brutal rule.
The possible removal of HTS from the U.S. terror list is one of the most controversial aspects of the new policy.
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Washington had previously designated the group — an offshoot of al-Qaeda — as a terrorist organisation.
However, HTS has, in recent years, rebranded itself and attempted to distance itself from “global terror networks,” claiming a more Western-friendly, Syria-focused agenda.
The review has sparked debate in policy circles, with critics warning of the implications of legitimising HTS, while supporters argue it reflects new realities on the ground.
Sanctions lifted
On Monday, the executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump officially ended the sanctions regime which has isolated Syria and severely hampered its economy.
The move, described as “historic,” is part of a broader shift aimed at supporting what Washington calls Syria’s “path to stability and peace.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the sanctions removal would not apply to Assad, his inner circle, or entities linked to chemical weapons, human rights violations, and Iran-backed groups.
However, sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act on Syria’s economy and institutions have now been lifted.
“The United States is committed to supporting a Syria that is stable, unified, and at peace with itself and its neighbours,” Trump said in a statement.
The decision follows Trump’s public announcement at an investment forum in Riyadh in May 2025, where he pledged to end what he called “brutal and crippling” measures against Syria.
A day later, he met Syria’s new president and former HTS rebel commander, Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first direct talks between U.S. and Syrian leaders in 25 years.
Al-Sharaa, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammad al-Julani, had a $10 million U.S. bounty removed from his head in December 2024 after he successfully led the takeover of Damascus.
Syria hails decision
The Syrian government welcomed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions, calling it a “significant turning point” in the country’s history.
“We welcome the lifting of the majority of sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic,” Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said in a post on X.
“With this major barrier removed, doors to reconstruction and development are now open.”
Shaibani said the move would allow for the rebuilding of critical infrastructure and the return of displaced Syrians.
He added that Damascus is ready to reintegrate into the international community after years of isolation.
While some EU nations have remained cautious, regional allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE praised the announcement.
Gulf investment is expected to play a central role in Syria’s reconstruction.
Despite the optimism, Washington has stated that key restrictions will remain on individuals and entities involved in past atrocities.
U.S. officials insist that lifting sanctions does not mean ignoring human rights violations or regional destabilisation.
Trump’s administration maintains that the decision reflects a realistic approach toward a changed Syria, not a blanket endorsement of all actors involved.
Further details on the status of HTS and the future U.S. role in Syria are expected in the coming weeks.
Many onlookers have expressed major concern that Syria may be secretly planning to join in Arab world normalisation efforts with Israel as part of its reintegration process. Damascus has denied these rumours.
