US Department of State issues 180-day waiver on anti-Syrian sanctions

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a 180-day waiver on sanctions that were imposed on Syria in 2019, the US Department of State said in a press release.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued a 180-day waiver on sanctions that were imposed on Syria in 2019, the US Department of State announced in a press release. The waiver aims to facilitate stability-driving investments and advance Syria's recovery and reconstruction efforts. This move comes amidst growing concerns about the potential collapse of the Syrian government and the risk of a full-scale civil war [1].

The waiver, issued in accordance with President Trump's promise to deliver sanctions relief, allows for the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation services. It also enables a more effective humanitarian response across Syria. Additionally, the Department of the Treasury issued Syria General License (GL) 25, authorizing transactions by U.S. persons previously prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations. This move effectively lifts sanctions on Syria, allowing for new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President's America First strategy [3].

The decision to lift sanctions on Syria has been met with mixed reactions. While Damascus celebrates the move, Israel has expressed caution. Israeli officials have emphasized that the Syrian issue was not raised in recent discussions with the U.S. and that they did not firmly oppose the move. However, they have expressed necessary caution in the post-Assad period [2].

Secretary Rubio warned that the lifting of sanctions alone may not be enough to stabilize Syria and suggested that Congress may need to step in and assist the country. He also cautioned that if Syria collapses again, it could lead to chaos throughout the Middle East. The country has been a playground for jihadist groups like ISIS and others since the civil war erupted in March 2011 [1].

The 180-day waiver is seen as a significant victory for the new Syrian regime led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who recently gained additional international legitimacy through a meeting with President Trump. However, the exact terms and timeline for the process of lifting sanctions remain unclear. Secretary Rubio stated that the U.S. goal is to assist in establishing a stable and peaceful Syria. He added that he was encouraged by calls from figures within the "New Syria" for peaceful relations with Israel and the expulsion of terrorists from the country [2].

References:
[1] https://nypost.com/2025/05/20/us-news/rubio-warns-syria-weeks-away-from-collapse-and-a-full-scale-civil-war-of-epic-proportions/
[2] https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1hog2hzxe
[3] https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/05/providing-sanctions-relief-for-the-syrian-people/