Trump Lifts Syria Sanctions as Israel Explores Damascus Ties

President Donald Trump formally dismantled US sanctions on Syria in an effort to reintegrate the war-torn nation into the global economy and foster a new relationship with a stable and unified Syria. The sanctions, in place since 2004, affected most state-run institutions but were lifted following appeals from Saudi Arabia and Turkey after Ahmed al-Sharaa ended Assad family rule. While sanctions on former government members like Bashar al-Assad remain, the US plans to review Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and that of al-Sharaa and his movement Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Treasury official Brad Smith stated that this move ends Syria's isolation from the international financial system and encourages investment from regional neighbors and the US. Israel has expressed interest in normalizing ties with Syria as part of an expanded Middle East peace effort, although concerns about attacks on minorities and progress on human rights remain. Syrian officials hailed the US action as a major turning point, opening doors for reconstruction, development, and the return of displaced Syrians.