The United States has issued a general license offering immediate sanctions relief for Syria, the Treasury Department announced Friday.
The move marks a significant change in Washington’s approach, aimed at encouraging economic recovery and long-term stability in the war-torn nation.
“As President Trump promised, the Treasury and State Departments are authorizing measures to promote new investment into Syria,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
He expressed hope that the relief will help Syria embark on a path toward peace and prosperity, ending years of economic isolation.
The announcement follows President Trump’s recent Middle East visit, where he pledged to lift what he called “brutal and crippling” sanctions on Syria.
In a regional address, Trump said the sanctions had stifled Syria’s recovery and vowed to give the country “a chance at greatness.”
The general license is expected to ease restrictions on certain financial activities, potentially opening doors for reconstruction and humanitarian investment.
Analysts caution that while the relief offers opportunity, Syria’s political and security challenges remain formidable.
The international community will closely watch how Damascus responds and whether the move triggers meaningful reform or reconciliation.
This sudden policy shift reflects a broader recalibration of US interests in the Middle East under Trump’s leadership.
For now, Syrians may glimpse a rare window of hope, as sanctions once seen as immovable begin to fall.