In a surprise move that rearranged regional policy papers, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of all sanctions imposed on Syria, during his visit to Saudi Arabia on May 13, 2025, a decision that represented an unexpected turning point in the American approach after years of severity and severe sanctions, according to observers.
This transformation – which came as a result of regional diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey – was not just a single decision, but rather a reflection of a change in the regional and international political climate, and a desire to reintegrate Syria into the international system after isolation that lasted for more than a decade.
1- Regional support
Trump’s visit to Riyadh included high -level meetings with the leaders of the Gulf states, and the historical meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Al -Shara was among the most prominent in the visit schedule.
The announcement of the lifting of sanctions came as a clear indication that a new page opens between Washington and Damascus.
The decision coincided with repeated calls from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the European Union to reconsider the sanctions imposed on Syria, with the aim of facilitating the reconstruction process, while confirming at the same time respecting the unity and sovereignty of Syria.
Although the American decision is a precedent in the context of the relationship between the two countries, its timing and the nature of the diplomatic movement accompanying it referred to a greater strategic shift in the features of the region.
2- Immediate economic repercussions
The sanctions imposed on Syria during the past decades represented one of the most prominent challenges in front of the new Syrian government led by President Ahmed Al -Sharaa after the overthrow of the previous regime, especially in terms of disabilities of the economy and preventing the flow of investments.
Dr. Yahya Al -Sayed Omar says – in a statement to Al -Jazeera Net – that the lifting of sanctions paved the way for the return of Syrian economic relations with the region and the world, which will be reflected in the revitalization of foreign trade, the dismantling of the Syrian money frozen abroad, and the return of foreign companies to invest in the country.
Mr. Omar adds that the decision showed an immediate impact on the exchange rate of the Syrian pound, which, during hours, recovered more than 16% of its value, and it is expected to continue to improve, especially in light of expectations of huge sums from the dollar to enter the Syrian market and the central bank.
He also pointed out that the reconstruction has become possible after the penalties are lifted, as foreign companies are expected to enter in vital sectors such as real estate development, energy, transport, education, etc. within a few months.
For his part, economic researcher Abdel Azim Mughrabi believes that the decision to lift sanctions is a real gate towards structural change in the Syrian economy, explaining that reducing restrictions on strategic sectors, such as energy, banks and transportation, re -pumps “oxygen” into the body of the tired economy, creates new job opportunities, which raises the gross domestic product, improves the standard of living, and reduces the social gap.
3- A direct effect on internal stability
In a reading of the political and social repercussions of the decision, Professor Basil Hafar, Director of a Cognitive Center for Studies and Political Consultations, says in a special statement to Al -Jazeera Net, that the lifting of sanctions will give power in Damascus economic potential that helps it in communicating with the Syrian components that have not yet been involved under the rule of the state, especially in northeastern Syria and the province of As -Suwayda.
It indicates that enabling power to provide economic solutions to the areas outside its control may turn into a point of attraction and contribute to strengthening the unity of the state on the ground.
As for the researcher Mughrabal, he sees that any economic recovery will result in gradual social stability, with job opportunities and improved income, which reduces the need for migration, and weakens the parallel economy and smuggling. He believes that this will contribute to enhancing the values of production, belonging and trust, and lead to changing societal speeches from hostilities to participatory.
He adds that this economic transformation will have a great psychological impact, as citizens will feel that their lives are improving, which generates a real motivation to protect stability, not to undermine it, which may prepare the ground for a sustainable civil peace based on economic empowerment and social justice, and not on temporary calm.
4- Rebuilding the state and its security services
From the security point of view, Professor Basil Hafar confirms that the lifting of sanctions will help support internal stability by rebuilding state institutions and security services, according to a new security doctrine.
Mughrabal notes that reducing economic pressure will reduce negative security phenomena such as asylum waves, human smuggling, drugs and weapons, which were a natural result of the collapse of the Syrian economy.
He adds that creating job opportunities and providing a decent life inside the country will reduce the involvement of young people in these activities, and restore balance to the societal fabric.
5- Openness to the regional environment
From the geopolitical angle, Professor Hafar explains that the lifting of sanctions falls within the regional and international restoration of Syria, and that the American openness – from the European before it – is part of the redistribution of roles and alliances in the region.
He believes that Syria is now able to activate its geographical location as a pivotal commercial corridor between Türkiye and the Gulf states and Europe, which gives it a new strategic value.
The researcher affirms that the transcendence of sanctions will facilitate a gradual return of Syrian refugees from neighboring countries, such as Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq, which reduces the burden on these countries and reduces friction between refugees and host societies.
It also indicates that stability in Syria will reduce the possibilities of border conflict explosion, and pave the way for new economic partnerships in the energy, transport and reconstruction sectors, which transforms Syria from a point of conflict into a regional stability factor.
Towards a new start for Syria and the region
In light of the above, it seems clear that the decision to lift sanctions on Syria was not just an isolated economic or political step, but rather a milestone in the country’s path and the region. He reopened the doors to revitalizing the national economy, stimulating investment, and achieving social stability, as well as giving the authority new tools to rebuild state institutions and strengthening the unity of the national fabric.
The effect does not stop at the borders of Syria, but rather extends to its neighbors and to the overall balances in the Middle East. The decision may be the beginning of a new era of regional cooperation, re -drawing the map of economic and political alliances, and gives the region a rare opportunity to move from the stage of conflict and disintegration to the path of reconstruction and partnership.
And if the challenges are still many, then this step may be the starting point towards a comprehensive project to build a modern, fair, stable, and open Syrian state on its surroundings and the world.
