On June 30, 2025, President Donald Trump made headlines with a sweeping executive order that revokes multiple sanctions imposed on Syria, a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. By terminating the national emergency declared back in 2004, Trump aims to reshape the United States’ approach to the ongoing situation in Syria, particularly under the leadership of the newly elected President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The executive order, effective July 1, 2025, terminates a series of executive orders that had previously placed heavy restrictions on Syria due to alleged human rights violations and the use of chemical weapons by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. In recent developments, Trump emphasized that the situation in Syria has undergone a transformation influenced by actions taken by the newly formed government, which have contributed to this policy shift.
In his order, Trump established that the U.S. is committed to supporting a unified Syria that ensures the safety of its ethnic and religious minorities, while also maintaining regional security. The executive order outlines a new U.S. policy that includes not only the removal of sanctions but also a call for the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to work together on issuing waivers to ease export controls and other restrictions on Syria. However, Trump clarified that these changes will not extend relief to ISIS, human rights abusers, or any parties with ties to chemical weapons.
Trump’s decision has received mixed reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Supporters argue that this move can lead to better diplomatic relations and enhance stability in the region, while critics warn that easing sanctions may allow human rights violators to escape accountability.
Additionally, the order emphasizes the U.S.’s commitment to holding those associated with the former Assad regime accountable for war crimes and narcotics trafficking. This dual approach aims to balance the necessity of action against past regimes while exploring a new cooperative framework with the current Syrian government.
In summary, Trump’s latest executive order represents a significant policy shift regarding Syria, reflecting the complexities and challenges of American foreign policy in the Middle East. With these new developments, the path forward for Syria remains uncertain, and the international community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact both Syrian citizens and the broader geopolitical landscape.