U.S. President Donald Trump signed a historic executive order on Monday terminating the Syria sanctions program, according to the White House.
The move aims to support Syria's path to stability and peace while retaining targeted measures on Bashar al-Assad. It also relaxes export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on some foreign assistance.
The order directs U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations, a potential game-changer for diplomatic efforts.
Syria has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the United States since December 1979. Further sanctions were introduced under Executive Order 13338 in 2004 and expanded in 2011, targeting key sectors of the Syrian economy.
At an investment forum in Riyadh on May 13, Trump announced his plans to lift these measures—signaling a new chapter for international policy in the Middle East. Observers will be watching closely as diplomatic and economic actors respond to this landmark decision.
Reference(s):
Trump signs executive order terminating Syria sanctions: White House
cgtn.com
