The US has changed its strategy in the Middle East and has relaxed many economic sanctions imposed on Syria. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order in this regard, which will help Syria connect to the international financial system and attract investment. This step has been taken at a time when Iran is trying to increase its influence in the region, which may increase challenges for it. The European Union has also lifted most of the sanctions from Syria, which is a sign of a new political and economic equation in the Middle East.

However, sanctions imposed on former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his associates under the Caesar Act will still remain in force. They are accused of human rights violations and activities related to chemical weapons, which can only be removed by the US Parliament. Apart from this, sanctions will also continue on terrorist organizations and drug producers. The US State Department is still reviewing the designation of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism and the al-Shara group as a “foreign terrorist organisation”, meaning fully normal relations between the two countries are still a ways off.