07/01/2025

US grants temporary six-month sanctions waiver to aid essential services in post-Assad Syria

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States announced a temporary six-month waiver for certain sanctions on Syria, aimed at facilitating access to essential services following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian regime.

In a move designed to ease the hardships faced by the Syrian people after more than thirteen years of oppression under Assad, the US Treasury Department issued a statement outlining the waiver.

The newly issued general license broadens the scope of permissible activities and transactions in Syria. The US Treasury highlighted that the waiver is specifically intended to prevent sanctions from obstructing access to vital services, including electricity, energy, water, and sanitation. These measures aim to sustain essential governance functions and improve daily life across the country.

The US reaffirmed its commitment to existing mandates supporting international organizations and NGOs engaged in humanitarian aid and regional stabilization initiatives. The waiver aligns with efforts to enhance the well-being of Syria’s population and promote recovery.

This decision comes as Syria’s transitional government intensifies its efforts to lobby for broader sanctions relief. While the international community remains cautious about the new government’s governance strategies, the US has signaled a willingness to explore cooperation, contingent on ongoing accountability and progress.

The temporary waiver reflects a balanced approach, addressing urgent humanitarian needs while maintaining vigilance over Syria’s evolving political landscape.