Trump administration is intensifying pressure on Congress to repeal the most severe U.S. sanctions on Syria, particularly those imposed under the Caesar Act, in a bid to bolster the country’s new transitional government and pave the way for regional stabilization.

According to a recent report by Al-Monitor, the White House views the remaining sanctions as a potential obstacle to its broader Middle East strategy, which includes supporting Syria’s reintegration into regional diplomacy and global commerce. The push follows President Donald Trump’s executive order in June 2025 that terminated most sanctions on Syria, while retaining targeted measures against Bashar al-Assad, his associates, and entities linked to human rights abuses, terrorism, and Iranian proxy activities.

The move comes nearly a year after opposition leader Ahmed al-Sharaa led a swift insurgency that ousted Assad’s regime. Since then, the U.S. has sought to give the new government “a chance at greatness,” as Trump stated during a summit in Saudi Arabia. However, key provisions of the Caesar Act remain in force, including restrictions on foreign assistance and export controls that humanitarian groups say are hampering recovery efforts.

Critics of the repeal warn that lifting sanctions prematurely could undermine accountability for past atrocities and embolden malign actors. Supporters argue that the current framework punishes ordinary Syrians and obstructs international aid and investment.

The State Department has confirmed that it is evaluating further suspension of sanctions based on compliance benchmarks and human rights improvements. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to coordinate with European and Arab allies on a unified approach to Syria’s post-conflict reconstruction.