By Atoun Jan
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) –The United States has imposed economic, financial, and trade sanctions on Syria over the past five decades, citing political, security, and human rights concerns.
The first U.S. sanctions against Syria emerged in the late 1970s, following Syria’s involvement in regional conflicts and support for groups designated as terrorist organizations. Early measures primarily targeted arms transfers, military aid, and selected financial transactions.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, additional restrictions were applied, including bans on certain exports and limitations on bilateral trade. These sanctions aimed to pressure Damascus over its role in Lebanon, support for Palestinian armed factions, and alleged sponsorship of terrorism.
Sanctions intensified after the outbreak of the Syrian conflict in 2011. The U.S. cited widespread human rights abuses, violent repression of civilian protests, and attacks on opposition-held areas as reasons for imposing additional measures. These included asset freezes, import-export prohibitions, travel bans, and restrictions on foreign investments in Syria.
In June 2020, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (Caesar Act) was enacted by the U.S. Congress, imposing targeted sanctions on the Syrian government, military and security entities, and businesses supporting them. According to official statements, the Caesar Act aimed to compel the Syrian government to halt attacks on civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, and engage in UN-led political negotiations.
Other major U.S. sanctions have targeted Syria’s oil and gas sectors, financial institutions, construction, and entities working with the Syrian government. Washington consistently cited the need to uphold international law, prevent human rights violations, and limit support for armed groups as the basis for these sanctions.
On August 25, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department formally removed Syria-related sanctions from the Code of Federal Regulations, in line with Executive Order 14312 issued in June 2025. This administrative step marks the formal implementation of the executive order lifting sanctions, effective August 26, 2025, while preserving oversight mechanisms for affected entities.
The history of U.S. sanctions on Syria reflects decades of policy aimed at influencing Damascus’s regional behavior, limiting support for armed groups, and addressing human rights concerns.