Washington eyes end to Caesar Act sanctions as Trump prepares to host Syria’s al-Sharaa

The Trump administration is pressing Congress to fully repeal the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, a State Department official told Al Arabiya English.

President Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US sanctions architecture against Syria during his visit to Saudi Arabia in May. However, the Caesar Act sanctions were codified into US law with overwhelming bipartisan support during Bashar al-Assad’s rule over Syria.

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Now, with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa set to visit the White House later this month, the Trump administration is doubling down on efforts to lift the sanctions.

“The cessation of sanctions against Syria preserves the integrity of our primary objective – the enduring defeat of ISIS – and will give the people of Syria a chance for a better future,” a State Department spokesperson told Al Arabiya English.

Several lawmakers are vehemently opposed to the move, citing atrocities against minorities in Syria and al-Sharaa’s past, when he was a US-designated terrorist. Other members of Congress, including staunch defenders of the Netanyahu government, have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of removing the sanctions.

According to the State Department official, the administration wants Congress to include a repeal in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Multiple foreign countries have expressed interest in investing in Syria and supporting reconstruction efforts in the war-torn country. Yet, US sanctions continue to deter companies, investors, and states from engaging.

“The United States is in regular communication with regional partners and welcomes any investment or engagement in Syria that supports the chance for all Syrians to have a peaceful and prosperous country,” the State Department official added.

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