The United States has extended a waiver on comprehensive sanctions against Syria for an additional 180 days, enabling the continued transfer of certain goods and technology to the country. This move comes as part of an effort to support Syria’s transition to a new leadership structure, following the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. The waiver, issued jointly by the Treasury Department and the Departments of State and Commerce, allows companies to transfer most basic civilian goods of U.S. origin, as well as software and technology, to or within Syria without a license. However, permission from Washington is still required for trading in items listed on the Commerce Control List. The advisory also stated that the measures were part of Trump’s commitment to give Syria ‘a chance at greatness,’ highlighting the thaw in U.S.-Damascus relations following Assad’s removal from power. Despite the easing of sanctions, the waiver does not cover transactions involving the governments of Russia and Iran or the transfer of goods of Russian or Iranian origin.
Al-Sharaa, who rose to power following the fall of Assad, had previously led the jihadist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which had evolved from a former Al-Qaeda offshoot. His visit to Washington on Monday marked his second meeting with Trump in recent months. Just days before the visit, the U.S., along with the UK and UN, removed Al-Sharaa from their respective terrorist lists. This decision underscores the complex geopolitical landscape in the region, as Trump’s administration seeks to navigate the delicate balance between supporting Syria’s new leadership and maintaining diplomatic ties with other global powers.