Syria: U.S. Temporarily Suspends Caesar Act Sanctions

The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act — U.S. legislation imposing sanctions on Syria — has now been temporarily suspended for 180 days, Orda.kz reports, citing the Anadolu Agency.

According to Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State, the move is intended to support Syria’s economic recovery, restore ties with international partners, and promote peace and stability. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Treasury made the initial announcement on 10 November 2025.

In parallel, Hakan Fidan, Türkiye's Foreign Minister, said in Washington that the relief of the Caesar Act was discussed at a high-level meeting involving U.S., Turkish, and Syrian officials, reports SANA.

He emphasised that Türkiye supports a permanent repeal of the Caesar Act through Congress, so that Syrian reconstruction and diplomacy can continue without constant presidential waivers. 

However, there are important conditions and limits: the suspension does not lift all sanctions — transactions involving Russia or Iran, or transfers of Russian-origin or Iranian-origin goods, technology or funds remain prohibited.

Sanctions against former President Bashar al-Assad and his associates remain, while Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) designation is under review.

The U.S. has signalled a major shift in its policy toward Syria, opening the door for foreign investment, trade, and reconstruction. The Caesar Act itself remains in force — the current decision only suspends enforcement of some provisions. Any full repeal would require Congressional approval, according to Reuters.

Türkiye sees this as part of a broader regional change, and its involvement emphasises the importance of Syria’s unity, reconstruction, and regional security.

Earlier, news broke that the U.S. Treasury’s OFAC had published a formal advisory on November 10, 2025, announcing sanctions and export-control relief for Syria.