Sanctions lifted on Ahmed Al-Shar'a and key Syrian institutions by a decision from the US Department of the Treasury.

Yesterday, the US Treasury Department announced the lifting of sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar'a and Interior Minister Anas Al-Khatib, as well as lifting sanctions on the Central Bank of Syria, Syrian Airlines, radio and television, and the ports of Latakia and Tartus. This comes as part of an immediate decision to ease sanctions on Syria, following President Donald Trump's announcement to lift all sanctions on Syria at the request of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to give Syrians a new opportunity and enhance investments and private activities in the country. The US Treasury Department confirmed that the decision will allow foreign partners and allies of the United States to invest in Syria, representing a first step in a broader American effort to lift sanctions on Syria. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin stated that Syria must continue to work towards stability and peace, expressing hope that these measures will put the country on a path to a prosperous and stable future. Additionally, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a 180-day waiver of sanctions imposed under the "Caesar Act" to facilitate investments and provide electricity, energy, water, healthcare, and humanitarian relief efforts, emphasizing that this step marks the beginning of a new vision in relations between Syria and the United States. The lifting of sanctions follows the approval of EU foreign ministers to ease economic sanctions on Syria, amid Syrian authorities' efforts to accelerate economic recovery after 14 years of devastating conflict. UN estimates indicate that Syria needs $400 billion for reconstruction, especially with thousands of buildings destroyed and vital infrastructure collapsed due to years of war.