WASHINGTON, Nov 10 (KUNA) -- The United States announced on Monday a partial suspension of the comprehensive Caesar Act sanctions on Syria to allow for rebuilding the conflict-torn country.
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday "suspended the imposition of Caesar Act sanctions in part for 180 days, indicating our commitment to continued sanctions relief for Syria," the US Department of Treasury said in a press release. It pointed out that 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 statement argued that with this move, President Donald Trump is delivering on his commitment to give Syria "a chance at greatness" and to let them rebuild and thrive by lifting US sanctions and ensuring accountability for harmful actors.
It indicated that the US government has adopted new policies and regulatory posture to encourage US businesses and banks, the international community, the Syrian people, and regional partners to contribute to Syria's stability while denying resources to harmful actors.
"To that end, the US government will coordinate with the public and private sector to provide guidance to support these new policies," added the statement.
It pointed out the US Government continues to review Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) designation. Moreover, most commerce control list items going to Syria still require a US export license.
The US sanctions, however, would remain on "the worst of the worst:" Bashar al-Assad and his associates, human rights abusers, captagon drug traffickers, and other destabilizing regional actors.
It emphasized that the US government retains authority, through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act of 2018, to maintain and implement national security measures if needed.
On May 13, 2025, President Trump announced the lifting of US sanctions on Syria to give the country a chance at peace and prosperity.
In June, the President issued Executive Order which formally removed US sanctions and directed agencies to take additional measures to encourage US private sector and foreign partner re-engagement in Syria. (end) asj.ibi