US lifts some Syria sanctions, keeps curbs on Iran and Russia business
The United States on Monday suspended sanctions on Syria for 180 days except for certain transactions involving Iran and Russia, according to a statement by the Treasury.
The United States on Monday suspended sanctions on Syria for 180 days except for certain transactions involving Iran and Russia, according to a statement by the Treasury.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House for landmark talks, the first visit by a Syrian president to Washington.
The Treasury order replaced a May 23 waiver and effectively extends the suspension of some of the toughest US sanctions on Syria.
The department said the move signaled its "commitment to continued sanctions relief for Syria,” while maintaining restrictions linked to Iran and Russia.
"The suspension halts the imposition of sanctions pursuant to the Caesar Act except for certain transactions involving the governments of Russia and Iran, or the transfer of provisions of Russian-origin or Iranian-origin goods, technology, software, funds, financing, or services," the Treasury said.
The 2019 Caesar Act aimed at cutting financial support to the former government and entities tied to abuses during the civil war that began in 2011.
Sharaa’s visit marked a turnaround for the former Islamist commander who toppled longtime leader Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Iran, in December and has since sought to rebuild relations with Western and regional governments.
The White House meeting followed Washington’s decision to remove Sharaa from the US list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
A report by Reuters citing an unnamed US official said removing the remaining Syria sanctions, including the Caesar Act, would require congressional action, which the administration would support.
