President Donald Trump has signaled a potential shift in US policy toward Syria, suggesting that sanctions imposed on the country could be eased to allow for what he described as “a fresh start.” Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump said Turkish President Recep Erdogan had urged him to lift economic restrictions, and that multiple regional leaders shared this request.
“Many people have asked me about that, because the way we have them sanctioned, it doesn’t really give them much of a start,” Trump said. “We want to see if we can help them out.”
US Sanctions have severely limited Syria’s access to global financial systems, making post-war recovery efforts difficult. Although originally designed to pressure the Assad regime, Syrian officials now argue that the penalties harm civilians and obstruct reconstruction.
New Leadership in Damascus Welcomes US Remarks
The Syrian Foreign Ministry issued a statement Monday night welcoming Trump’s remarks, calling them “an encouraging step toward ending the suffering of the Syrian people.” The ministry acknowledged that sanctions contributed to the fall of the former regime but claimed they now “directly target the Syrian people.”
The ministry’s statement expressed hope for the full lifting of sanctions and praised the potential for renewed international cooperation to bolster regional stability. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is reportedly pushing for diplomatic engagement with the US.
Internal Divide in Washington on Syrian Outreach
Trump’s signals of openness have exposed divisions within his administration. National Security Advisor Sebastian Gorka warned against viewing the new Syrian government as democratic, citing concerns over its alignment with religious hardliners.
Meanwhile, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard—long skeptical of regime change policies—has reportedly taken a cautious stance toward rapprochement. Despite that, members of Congress such as Sen. Jeanne Shaheen have called for easing sanctions to stabilize Syria’s economy and prevent further humanitarian deterioration.
Trump Balances Regional Diplomacy and US Policy
Trump’s statements come ahead of a broader diplomatic tour through Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. A meeting with Sharaa is reportedly being considered on the sidelines of a regional summit in Riyadh. Leaders from Lebanon and the Palestinian Authority are also expected to attend.
Though the Trump administration recently renewed the national emergency designation for Syria, citing governance concerns and security threats, the door now appears open for significant policy shifts.
As Trump weighs his options, the future of US-Syria relations hinges on whether economic overtures and regional pressure can overcome internal skepticism in Washington.
