Sanctions Lifted on Syria's President al-Sharaa: UN Security Council Adopts Resolution 2799 in New Era for Damascus

Damascus, May 31. After years of civil war and international isolation, Syria is entering a new era. The UN Security Council, under Resolution 2799, has lifted terrorism-related sanctions on Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Alongside this, Syria's new government is actively working to normalise its relations with the international community and to rebuild the country. Recently, al-Sharaa urged US President Donald Trump to lift all sanctions on Syria, which he regards as essential for reviving the country's economy.

The Security Council's Historic Resolution

In November 2025, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2799 with 14 votes in favour; none voted against, while China did not take part in the vote (abstained). The resolution was tabled by the United States. Under it, Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and interim Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab were removed from the sanctions list targeting ISIL (Da'esh) and Al-Qaida. An assets freeze and an arms embargo were also lifted.

Al-Sharaa's Appeal to Trump

In late May 2026, President al-Sharaa made a direct appeal to US President Donald Trump for the complete lifting of all sanctions on Syria. He made clear that this step is essential to revive the Syrian economy. Years of war have devastated Syria's infrastructure, energy sector and industrial system. Al-Sharaa believes that only after sanctions are fully lifted will foreign investment flow in and the rebuilding of the country become possible.

Easing of US Sanctions

The United States has also made a significant shift in its stance towards Syria. In December, President Trump signed legislation repealing the 'Caesar Act', removing the threat of mandatory sanctions on foreign persons providing support to the Government of Syria—particularly in the infrastructure and energy sectors. The United States no longer maintains a comprehensive Syria sanctions programme. These steps are seen as important towards reviving Syria's economy and bringing the country back into the mainstream.

Europe's Position

The European Union, too, has reviewed its sanctions on Syria. In May 2026, the European Council renewed restrictive measures targeting the former al-Assad regime for one year, but at the same time de-listed certain entities. This balanced approach makes clear that the international community is seeking to engage carefully with Syria's new government—ensuring accountability for the old regime on one hand, while supporting the country's reconstruction on the other.

A New Chapter for Syria

Following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syria is passing through a transitional period. The interim government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa faces several grave challenges—rebuilding war-shattered infrastructure, the return of millions of displaced people, forging national unity among various groups and winning the trust of the international community. The lifting of sanctions is an important step in this direction, but the road to real reconstruction is still long and difficult.

More Than a Decade of Civil War

Syria's civil war began in 2011 during the Arab Spring, when peaceful protests against the Assad regime turned into a bloody conflict. In a war that lasted more than a decade, hundreds of thousands of people were killed and more than 13 million were displaced—one of the largest refugee crises in modern history. Many of the country's major cities were reduced to ruins, the economy collapsed and the social fabric was torn apart. The final fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 brought this long conflict to an end and ushered in a new, uncertain era. The international community's attention is now fixed on whether the new government can establish stability, inclusiveness and justice in the country. The role of neighbouring countries, the Arab world and Western powers will be decisive in shaping Syria's future, since a stable Syria is important for peace across the whole of West Asia. Humanitarian aid organisations too have welcomed the easing of sanctions, as it will make it easier to deliver food, medicine and reconstruction materials to the war-stricken population.

Concerns and the Road Ahead

Although the lifting of sanctions is widely seen as positive, some concerns remain. China, in abstaining from the vote, had expressed its concern over counterterrorism issues, particularly foreign terrorist fighters in Syria. After the vote, US envoy Mike Waltz said the council was sending a clear political signal that 'Syria is in a new era'. In the months ahead, it will be important to watch how much progress Syria can make towards reconstruction and stability by harnessing international support.