Trump praises Syria's progress, credits US sanctions relief as crucial

US President Donald Trump has declared that Washington is "very satisfied" with the progress made in Syria under its post-Assad leadership, directly crediting his administration's sanctions relief policy for aiding the country's political transition. In a post on Truth Social, Trump framed the ongoing engagement with Damascus as part of a broader "historic opportunity" for Middle East peace.

Sanctions Relief as a Catalyst for Transition

Trump emphasized that the termination of "very strong and biting sanctions" has been instrumental in strengthening Syria's transition following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024. "I believe this was truly appreciated by Syria, its leadership, and its people," he stated. The administration has already lifted several sanctions, including delisting senior Syrian officials from terror-related designations. While Congress holds authority over major sanctions like the Caesar Act, the White House has utilized waiver provisions to suspend their application.

A Call for Israeli Restraint and Dialogue

In his remarks, Trump addressed the delicate Syria-Israel dynamic, urging regional caution. "It is very important that Israel maintain a strong and true dialogue with Syria," he wrote, warning against actions that could interfere with Syria's evolution. This call comes amid continued Israeli military operations inside Syria, which have included over a thousand airstrikes and hundreds of cross-border raids since December 2024, as well as the expansion of its occupation in the Golan Heights. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has stated that permanent peace requires an Israeli withdrawal to pre-December 8 borders.

Broader Regional Diplomacy and Vision

President Trump praised Sharaa, who visited Washington in November, for "working diligently" to ensure positive outcomes. The US president's comments reflect an administration actively seeking to normalize relations with a reconstructed Syrian government as it emerges from civil war. This approach marks a significant shift from years of isolation and underscores Trump's preference for bilateral diplomacy and transactional statecraft aimed at securing what he views as stability and prosperity, with the US positioned as a central arbiter.