The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced new sanctions exemptions for Syria to facilitate access to essential services following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The decision aims to support stabilization efforts amidst international hesitance to lift restrictions.
On January 6, 2025, the United States issued an additional exemption for certain activities in Syria over the next six months, allowing for expanded permitted transactions with the country as Washington monitors developments under the new Islamist-led administration.
The Treasury stated that this measure is intended to ensure sanctions do not impede essential services and governance functions across Syria, including the provision of electricity, energy, water, and sanitation.
Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo remarked that the end of Assad's brutal and oppressive rule, supported by Russia and Iran, presents a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild. He emphasized that during this transitional period, the Treasury will continue to support humanitarian aid and responsible governance in Syria.
This U.S. decision comes as the transitional government in Damascus seeks to lift sanctions, though the international community remains cautious. Several countries, including the United States, have stated they are waiting to observe the new authorities' governance approach.
The Treasury confirmed that it has not lifted restrictions on any properties or interests belonging to individuals or entities currently on the sanctions list, which includes Assad, key figures of his regime, the Syrian Central Bank, and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front) that led the offensive resulting in Assad's flight.
Additionally, the U.S. Treasury clarified that the decision does not permit any financial transfers to individuals subject to sanctions, except for certain allowable transactions with governing institutions or service providers related to them in Syria.