19 May 2026. Having removed economic sanctions on Syria in May 2025, the EU has just removed sanctions on the Defense and Interior ministries, retaining them only on individuals and entities linked to the former regime. The sanctions were imposed following Assad’s brutal repression of civilian protests in 2011.Read more at: SYRIAN OBSERVER
1 April 2026. Building on a history of support for Syria’s liberation, the British government is restoring relations with Syria on multiple levels. Business investors, encouraged by Syria’s reforms to meet urgent reconstruction needs, also find interest in its potential as a land bridge between the Mediterranean and the heart of Asia.Read more at: SYRIANOBSERVER
28 February 2026. The UN Security Council removed HTS from its ISIS and Al-Qaida sanctions list, clearing a final legal obstacle that was viewed as hindering Syria’s transition. The move, supporting the new government’s progress, lifts a 10-year freeze of assets, a travel ban, and arms embargo.Read more at: LEVANT24
22 December 2025. In the past year, Syria’s authorities have shut down factories and storage sites of the addictive drug Captagon, a major source of income for the previous regime. The UN report notes how political will and cooperation can quickly disrupt even complex drug networks.Read more at: ALJAZEERA
20 December 2025. In a televised address from Mount Qasioun, overlooking Damascus, the president told the Syrian people that a new era had begun for rebuilding the country together, thanking them for their efforts and patience over 14 years. “Today is your day, O great Syrian people,” he said.Read more at: LEVANT24
20 December 2025. President Al-Sharaa addressed citizens by video at the opening of the “Aleppo the best of all” campaign. Asserting the region’s vital role in national recovery, he stressed the need to eradicate poverty as the first step. The community-driven campaign raised funds to rebuild Aleppo.Read more at: SANA
8 December 2025. Syria’s economy shows significant advances in first year: sanctions lifted, $28B investments announced with major agreements in energy, infrastructure, and real estate development, currency strengthened, inflation reduced, along with reforms encouraging global partnerships.Read more at: LEVANT24
6 December 2025. During his first year in office, President al-Sharaa visited numerous world leaders, signalling Syria’s return to Arab and global diplomacy. In his visits he underscored Syria’s importance as a partner for Middle East stability, stressing dialogue and diplomacy as the means for resolving conflicts.Read more at: SANA
11 November 2025. President al-Sharaa tells reporters that President Trump reiterated his support for Syria’s stability, territorial unity, and “the complete lifting of sanctions,” stating most congressional members he met with agreed. He also said he believed the US is “the only country that can put Israeli conduct under check.”Read more at: SANA
11 November 2025. Following an historic meeting between Presidents Al-Sharaa and Trump at the White House, Trump expressed full support for Syria’s success and confidence in its leader. Syria announced it will join the coalition to eliminate remaining elements of ISIS, becoming the 90th coalition’s member.Read more at: BBCIncludes video
8 November 2025. In a nearly unanimous vote, the Security Council lifted sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa, along with Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Khattab. Syria’s UN ambassador, Ibrahim Olabi, called the vote “a rare moment of unity in the Security Council in support of Syria and its people.”Read more at: LEVANT24
22 October 2025. Praising the people of Syria for their resilience and determination to rebuild after years of devastating war, the Republican congressman states: “Syria is capable of becoming a model for overcoming dictatorship and building a future marked by security, dignity, and hope.”Read more at: SANA
21 October 2025. Citing major changes in Syria, the UK removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham from its terror list and seeks to strengthen relations with President al-Sharaa’s government. This follows the July restoration of diplomatic relations after a decade-long rupture.Read more at: ENABBALADI
20 October 2025. Calling the sanctions outdated, Barrack urged the House to repeal the Caesar Act, as the Senate has done, saying it “suffocates a nation seeking to rebuild.” He praised Syria’s renewed ties with Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Europe.Read more at: SANA
18 October 2025. Al-Shibani unveils the government’s strategic vision for foreign and domestic policy, describing a shift from “blackmail diplomacy” to dialogue and cooperation. He said efforts formerly spent on conflict must be doubled in the pursuit of peace and reconstruction.Read more at: ENABBALADI
13 October 2025. Noting that the world failed to stop the massive crimes against the Syrian people during 14 years of civil war, President al-Sharaa called upon the international community to support the nation’s reconstruction, stating the region and the world would benefit.Read more at: SANA
10 October 2025. Finance Minister Barniyeh calls the repeal of severe US sanctions “a major diplomatic achievement” and stated, “The sanctions are behind us, God willing. Our path forward is one of reconstruction, reform, and development.”Read more at: SANA
26 September 2025. The videos below report on the significance of the Syrian president’s appearance at the UN 80th General Assembly.
26 August 2025. American and Syrian officials met in Damascus on the announcement of the full removal of US economic sanctions. Discussions focused on regional security, trade, and humanitarian conditions, along with ways to deepen dialogue and cooperation. The Syrian-American Coalition for Peace and Prosperity said, “This visit opens the door to positive US involvement in the process of construction and stability in Syria.”Read more at: LEVANT24
21 August 2025. The UN Special Envoy to Syria told the Security Council that Syria is “witnessing a state of calm.” He affirmed the importance of efforts to monitor the ceasefire in Sweida, asserting the necessity for the country’s peaceful transition. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs called on the UN to shift from humanitarian aid to long-term support for Syria’s development and reconstruction. Security Council members condemned Israeli strikes and praised the new government’s policies and progress.Read more at: SANA
5 July 2025. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy visited Damascus, meeting with President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani to restore diplomatic ties. He said: “…it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians.” The two nations also agreed to reopen Syria’s London embassy and form a joint Economic Council. In addition, Lammy pledged £96.5 million in aid.Read more at: THE GUARDIAN
24 June 2025. The newly established US-Syria Business Council aims to boost economic ties following the lifting of U.S. sanctions. It will serve as a gateway for US companies and banks to invest in Syria, and for Syrians living outside the country to contribute their business and technological expertise to key sectors such as agriculture, energy, tech, and infrastructure. A main goal is to increase the value of trade between Syria and the US. Read more at: ENAB BALADI
21 June 2025. Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Abdul Qader al-Hasriya, welcomed Switzerland’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, calling it a key step in rebuilding bilateral financial and trade ties. Mentioning Syria’s historic cooperation with Swiss banks, he expressed hope for constructive collaboration that would bolster Syria’s national economy and advance shared interests. Read more at: SANA
11 June 2025. Ambassador Barrack praises Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa for his leadership of Syria’s reconstruction, saying the government is handling the situation “in the best way possible.” He stated that by lifting sanctions, the US hopes to remove obstacles to Syria’s economic recovery and that it seeks transparency, not control. “A drop of hope may be more powerful than a tank full of a bad reality,” the ambassador said.Read more at: SANA
30 May 2025. The easing of sanctions will help tackle corruption and bring home millions of refugees, the minister said. “We would talk, make plans, but nothing could happen on the ground because sanctions were holding everything up and restricting our work.” Read more at: AP News
