Trump Lifts Most US Sanctions After Assad Ousted

President Donald Trump has officially lifted most U.S. sanctions on Syria, marking a major realignment in U.S. Middle East policy aimed at supporting the country’s economic recovery and reconstruction. This action follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels and the rise of new Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Remaining sanctions continue to target Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, and groups like ISIS and Iranian proxies. The executive order also mandates a review of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s terrorist designation, as the group’s members play a significant role in Syria’s transitional government. Syrian officials and international partners have welcomed the move as a pivotal step for Syria’s reintegration and regional investment. In response, the European Union and Canada have eased their own sanctions on Syria.