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Trump Implements Sanctions Relief for Syria Following Meeting with Interim Leader

The U.S. begins lifting sanctions on Syria as Congress debates permanent repeal and international concerns linger over the legitimacy of Ahmed al-Sharaa's government.

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European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, arrives to attend the UK-EU Summit at Lancaster House on May 19, 2025 in London, England. Carl Court/Pool via REUTERS
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas speaks with the media as she arrives for a meeting of EU defense ministers at the European Council building in Brussels, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump announced the lifting of decades-old U.S. sanctions on Syria after meeting interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh on May 13, 2025.
  • The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, with the administration implementing sanctions relief through waivers while Congress considers permanent repeal tied to conditions on stability and human rights.
  • Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant leader with past ties to al-Qaeda, leads a government that emerged after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, raising concerns about legitimizing extremist actors.
  • Regional powers Turkey and Saudi Arabia played key roles in lobbying for the policy change, aiming to stabilize Syria and facilitate reconstruction efforts following years of civil war and economic collapse.
  • Critics warn that lifting sanctions without sufficient safeguards could empower extremist factions, while supporters argue it is a pragmatic step toward rebuilding Syria and reducing Iranian influence in the region.