Trump Set to Sign Executive Order to Alleviate Syrian Sanctions

President Donald Trump is anticipated to authorize an executive directive that will relax the existing sanctions imposed on Syria, as reported by two insiders acquainted with the prospective order to CBS News.

Following President Trump's announcement during his Middle East visit, where he stated the U.S. would be lifting all sanctions, the expected executive order is said to align with those declarations. Amidst his Middle East journey, Trump conversed with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the head of Syria's transitional administration, formed in March. The Assad government had been faltering due to a strong attack by opposition factions.

For months, Syria's transitional leadership has advocated for alleviation of sanctions from the Trump government. Prior to the President's announcement in May, some undertakings had already begun to ease certain restrictions.

Nonetheless, some sanctions will continue to require formal Congress annulment. Certain restrictions have been in place since 1979, when Syria was named a supporter of terrorism.

The fresh transitional administration has attributed the sanctions—which involve penalties for third-party nations engaging in business with Syria—for its challenges in remunerating civil servants, restoring large sections of war-torn cities, and reconstructing a healthcare infrastructure devastated by conflict.

U.S. allies in the region, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, have supported efforts to re-establish ties with Syria's new governing body. Both nations have given aid to Syria, while Saudi Arabia has proposed to settle some of the nation’s debts, actions that may contravene current sanctions. The Saudis view this as a chance to bring the new Syrian leadership onto their side, after Syria's prolonged alliance with Iran, Riyadh's primary regional adversary, during Assad's rule.

Sanctions relief was a major topic in discussions involving Syrian representatives, including Central Bank Governor Abdelkadir Husrieh, with global leaders at the IMF and World Bank gatherings in Washington.

Numerous severe sanctions implemented over the past twenty years targeted the Assad regime's human rights violations and its endorsement of what the U.S. considers terrorist organizations. The Assad administration collapsed in December, as rebel forces, led by figures like Sharaa, captured Damascus, closing a chapter on the 13-year armed conflict.

In 2003, the Syria Accountability Act was signed by then-President George W. Bush. The law focused on Syria's support for Hezbollah and other organizations labeled terrorists by the U.S., as well as military activities in Lebanon, alleged development of weapons of mass destruction, oil smuggling, and sponsorship of militia groups following the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

This report included contributions from Camilla Schick, a British journalist stationed in Washington, covering U.S. foreign policy, the State Department, and national security for CBS News.