Presidential Order on Syria Sanctions: A New Chapter?
In a bold move backed by the authority granted to me as President by the Constitution and U.S. laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act, I hereby enact the following directives:
Section 1: Background
The United States is steadfast in its commitment to a Syria that is not only stable and unified but also at peace with its neighbors. A peaceful Syria—one that does not harbor terrorist groups and protects its diverse religious and ethnic populations—will contribute to regional security and prosperity. In pursuit of this vision, the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury initiated steps on May 23, 2025, by issuing General License 25 and granting waivers under the Caesar Act.
Section 2: Policy
U.S. policy now acknowledges that the conditions prompting earlier executive actions against the Assad regime have evolved significantly in recent months. With the new leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa making strides towards positive governance, this order aims to align our national security and foreign policy objectives with actions such as easing sanctions on Syria. This includes waivers for export controls and other restrictions while ensuring that relief does not extend to ISIS, human rights violators, or anyone linked to chemical weapons proliferation.
Section 3: Revocation of Syria Sanctions
(a) Effective July 1, 2025, I will terminate the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338 from May 11, 2004, and revoke that order alongside several others that have constrained Syria’s economy and governance. This includes Executive Orders 13399, 13460, 13572, 13573, and 13582.
(b) The termination of the national emergency will not impact actions taken or pending before July 1, 2025, nor will it alter rights or duties established prior to that date.
Section 4: Accountability for the Former Regime of Bashar al-Assad
It is crucial to ensure accountability for those involved in war crimes and human rights abuses during Assad’s regime. These perpetrators pose a significant threat to regional stability and U.S. national security. Thus, I am expanding the scope of the national emergency as outlined in Executive Order 13894 to address these ongoing threats.
(a) This expansion involves blocking the properties of individuals deemed responsible for actions that jeopardize Syria’s peace and stability, as well as those involved in narcotics trafficking.
Section 5: Caesar Act
The Secretary of State, in collaboration with the Secretary of the Treasury, will assess whether the criteria set forth in the Caesar Act are met to potentially suspend sanctions. Should such a decision be made, Congress will be briefed within 30 days.
Section 6: Syria Accountability Act
I hereby determine it is in the national interest to waive certain provisions of the Syria Accountability Act concerning items on the Commerce Control List. A report will be submitted to Congress regarding this waiver.
Section 7: Chemical and Biological Weapons Act
(a) I certify that there has been a fundamental shift in Syria’s leadership and policies, allowing for the waiver of sanctions related to the prior use of chemical weapons under Assad’s regime. This includes lifting restrictions on foreign assistance and financial support to Syria.
(b) The Secretary of State will relay this waiver determination to Congress as required.
Section 8: Counterterrorism Designations
(a) The Secretary of State will take necessary actions to designate al-Nusrah Front, among others, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and review Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism accordingly.
Section 9: United Nations
The Secretary of State is directed to promote U.S. objectives at the UN to foster a stable Syria and support efforts against terrorism and compliance with obligations regarding weapons of mass destruction.
Section 10: Implementation
The Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Commerce are authorized to implement this order, including the establishment of necessary rules and regulations.
Section 11: General Provisions
(a) This order will not impair the authority of any executive department or agency. It will be implemented in alignment with applicable law and appropriations.
(b) This order does not create enforceable rights by any individual against the U.S. government or its agencies.
(c) Publication costs will be covered by the Department of State.
DONALD J. TRUMP
THE WHITE HOUSE,
June 30, 2025.
