Trump administration begins lifting U.S. sanctions on Syria

The Trump administration issued orders Friday that it said would effectively lift sanctions on Syria to help the country rebuild after a devastating civil war.

The Trump administration issued orders Friday that it said would effectively lift sanctions on Syria, after President Donald Trump this month pledged to unwind the measures to help the country rebuild after a devastating civil war.

The Treasury Department issued a general license that authorizes transactions involving the interim Syrian government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the central bank and state-owned enterprises.

The general license, known as GL25, “authorizes transactions prohibited by the Syrian Sanctions Regulations, effectively lifting sanctions on Syria,” the Treasury said in a statement.

“GL25 will enable new investment and private sector activity consistent with the President’s America First strategy,” the statement said.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump and Syria's al-Sharaa met last week in Saudi Arabia. @PressSec / XSecretary of State Marco Rubio also issued a 180-day waiver under the Caesar Act to ensure that sanctions do not obstruct investment and to facilitate the provision of electricity, energy, water and sanitation and enable humanitarian efforts, he said in a statement.