The US Departments of State, Commerce, and Treasury announced October 10 the suspension of the Caesar Act for 180 days, a move that allows most American-origin goods, software, and civilian-use technologies to enter Syria without licensing. The decision follows Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington, where he met with President Donald Trump in what officials described as a “historic” step toward normalizing relations.
In a joint statement, the departments said the suspension reflects Washington’s commitment to supporting a “stable, unified, and peaceful Syria.” The statement referenced Trump’s Executive Order 14312, issued in June 2025, which directed agencies to encourage American and international private sectors to re-engage with Syria. “The United States no longer imposes comprehensive sanctions on Syria,” the statement said, while noting that restrictions remain in place for transactions linked to Russia, Iran, and sanctioned individuals, including Bashar al-Assad and Captagon traffickers.
A Measured Step Toward Full Repeal
While the suspension has opened the door for trade and investment, the Caesar Act remains legally intact. US law requires congressional approval for its full repeal, meaning that the relief granted under the executive suspension will expire in 180 days unless renewed. Tom Barrack, the US president’s special envoy to Syria, said the administration hopes Congress will “follow the president’s lead” and move toward full repeal.
“This is about giving Syria a fair chance to rebuild and contribute to regional peace,” Barrack told reporters, adding that the Trump administration intends to work closely with lawmakers to finalize a permanent end to the sanctions. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani expressed optimism that Congress would act. “This suspension marks the beginning of a genuine partnership,” he said in a statement from Washington.
Political Advocacy and Changing Opinions in Congress
Efforts to repeal the Caesar Act gained unexpected momentum in Congress after several members reversed earlier opposition. The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF) credited activist Jasmine Naamou for persuading Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee, to support repeal efforts. “Her dialogue with Senator Mast was instrumental in showing the human cost of sanctions,” SETF wrote on X.
Former US Ambassador to Damascus Robert Ford told Al-Ikhbariyah that the new policy direction “recognizes Syria’s importance as a US ally” in fighting terrorism and promoting regional stability. He praised the administration’s “realistic approach.”
Broader Diplomatic Implications
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Monday that “giving Syria a chance at greatness” means enabling peace and prosperity throughout the region. He noted that the shift in US policy coincides with Damascus’s growing independence from Iranian influence.
Regional analysts say the 180-day suspension signals more than a procedural shift. “This is the strongest indication yet that Washington is ready to move beyond punitive policy and into constructive engagement,” said Michael Mitchell, regional spokesperson for the US State Department, in a statement to Fox News.
Whether Congress acts to repeal the Caesar Act remains uncertain, but both US and Syrian officials agree that the temporary suspension has already reshaped diplomatic and economic expectations in Damascus and Washington alike.
