U.S. Lifts Syria Sanctions, Signaling New Era in Relations

U.S. Lifts Syria Sanctions, Signaling New Era in Relations

The United States has formally lifted decades-old restrictions on Syria after removing the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a major shift in Washington’s policy toward Damascus.

Syria’s new President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, praised President Donald Trump’s decision, calling it a genuine act of friendship and a courageous step that has brought U.S.-Syrian relations to their highest level in history.

The move has also fueled renewed speculation over Washington’s past contacts with al-Sharaa and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), particularly allegations that the United States maintained close coordination with his forces during the campaign that led to the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024.

With al-Sharaa making several official visits to the White House in a short period, Syria appears to be entering a new diplomatic chapter, marked by rapidly expanding engagement with Washington.