Rubio to Shaibani: U.S. Will Maintain Sanctions on Assad and Other Malign Actors
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Syria sanctions with Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani, following the U.S. decision to end Syria’s sanctions program. Rubio signaled cautious engagement, maintaining sanctions on key actors while exploring diplomatic progress.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Thursday with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani concerning recent historic actions by the United States regarding Syria’s sanctions regime. The discussion, detailed in a readout issued by the U.S. State Department’s Office of the Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, marks a potential turning point in bilateral relations and regional dynamics.
Secretary Rubio’s call addressed President Donald Trump’s unprecedented decision to terminate the U.S. sanctions program and national emergency related to Syria. Rubio conveyed that he would consider additional measures reviewing both domestic and United Nations terrorist designations connected to Syria. “The Secretary affirmed he would consider further steps reviewing domestic and United Nations terrorist designations related to Syria,” the readout noted.
Despite these shifts, Secretary Rubio emphasized that the United States intends to maintain sanctions on key malign actors. The readout stated, “The Secretary also underscored his intent to maintain sanctions on malign actors including Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and others who threaten Syrian and international security.”
Secretary Rubio expressed optimism that these evolving policies could “mark the beginning of a new chapter for both the Syrian people and U.S.-Syria relations.” The tone suggests cautious engagement by Washington while signaling potential openings for diplomatic progress.
The conversation also encompassed broader regional and security concerns shared between the two officials. Topics discussed included counterterrorism efforts, Iran’s role in the region, the complex Israel-Syria relationship, and the imperative to eliminate any remaining chemical weapons programs linked to the Assad regime.
The readout affirmed, “The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also discussed other matters of shared concern, including countering terrorism, Iran, Israel-Syria relations, and destroying any remnants of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program.”
