The United States lifted comprehensive economic sanctions on Syria on Friday, marking a dramatic policy shift following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and opening the door for new investment in the war-torn country.

The United States has labeled Syria a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979 and intensified sanctions on the country beginning in 2011, when the Assad regime cracked down on peaceful protests against its ironfisted rule. Sanctions were expanded in 2020 under the Caesar Act.

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, said on Friday he has assumed the role of special envoy to Syria, as the Trump administration moves to lift sanctions on the country.

President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. will ease sanctions on Syria could eventually facilitate the country’s recovery from years of civil war and transform the lives of everyday Syrians.

The administration plans to announce a general license, known as GL 25, that will cover the Syrian central bank, reconstruction and other economic activity, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Also expected is a waiver of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for either an indefinite or time-bound period.

United States President Donald Trump has announced that US sanctions on Syria will be lifted, in a huge boost to the government in Damascus, which took power after the overthrow of longtime leader ...

When President Donald Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria during his trip to the Middle East this week, it marked a major policy shift that could reshape the region and triggered a scramble across the US government to implement the decision,