Syria Welcomes Trump’s Remarks on Possible Sanctions Relief
"Damascus welcomes the statements by US President Donald Trump concerning the possibility of lifting sanctions imposed on Syria, and considers them an encouraging step towards ending the suffering of the Syrian people," Syria's Foreign Ministry stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Syria on Monday welcomed comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting he was considering lifting sanctions on the war-ravaged country, calling it a positive step toward easing the humanitarian crisis and supporting national reconstruction efforts under the country's new leadership.
According to a statement released by the Syrian foreign ministry, Damascus “welcomes the statements by US President Donald Trump concerning the possibility of lifting sanctions imposed on Syria, and considers them an encouraging step towards ending the suffering of the Syrian people.”
The statement comes as Syria navigates a challenging recovery process following the ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad and the recent installation of President Mohammed Al-Sharaa. The country continues to grapple with deep economic hardship, widespread destruction, and the lingering effects of international sanctions imposed during the years of conflict.
The development was reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which noted that President Trump's remarks have sparked cautious optimism in Damascus, where the new government under Al-Sharaa is seeking international support to stabilize and rebuild the nation.
Although details from the White House remain limited, Trump's comments signal a possible shift in Washington’s policy approach toward Syria. U.S. sanctions have long been tied to demands for political reform and accountability for human rights violations during the Assad era.
The Syrian government expressed hope that the United States would follow through with tangible actions to ease or remove the sanctions, which have severely restricted access to food, medicine, and essential infrastructure. Officials in Damascus view the potential relief as a critical opportunity to improve living conditions for millions of Syrians and to facilitate the country’s gradual reintegration into the international community.
The Syrian government’s embrace of President Trump’s comments also comes amid an ambitious diplomatic campaign spearheaded by Syria’s president, Al-Sharaa, who is seeking a face-to-face meeting with Trump during the latter’s Middle East visit. According to a Reuters report, Sharaa has proposed a sweeping package of incentives — including a Trump Tower in Damascus, normalization of ties with Israel, and preferential U.S. access to Syrian oil and gas — as part of a broader push to reposition Syria on the global stage after years of conflict and isolation.
Despite still being designated by Washington as a terrorist due to past affiliations with al-Qaeda, Sharaa’s overture reflects a pragmatic effort to revive Syria’s economy and restore regional ties. The initiative is reportedly being coordinated with the help of U.S. pro-Trump activist Jonathan Bass and Gulf Arab intermediaries, who believe a direct appeal to Trump may bypass opposition within the U.S. administration and fast-track a dramatic diplomatic breakthrough.
