President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday lifting most U.S. sanctions on Syria, a dramatic reversal of nearly five decades of policy. The decision follows a historic meeting with Syria’s new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who overthrew Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 after 14 years of civil war.

“Now it is their time to shine. We are taking them all off. Good luck Syria. Show us something very special,” Trump said following the May meeting in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The executive order calls for:

• A review of Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism status.
• Possible suspension of the Caesar Act, which punished Assad-era war crimes.
• Steps to delist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly led by al-Sharaa, from the U.S. terrorism list.

Sanctions will remain in place for Assad, believed to be in exile in Moscow.

U.S.-Mediated Israel-Syria Talks Take Shape

The policy shift comes amid renewed U.S. efforts to broker a limited security agreement between Israel and post-Assad Syria. Preliminary discussions—described as “peeling an onion” by one U.S. official—are ongoing, with Israel pushing for a phased agreement that may lead to full normalization.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is backing the effort and will meet Trump at the White House on July 7 to discuss the Syria track, Gaza, and Iran. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is currently in Washington laying groundwork.

Golan Heights a Key Obstacle

The most contentious issue remains the Golan Heights, occupied by Israel since 1967 and recognized by Trump as Israeli territory in his first term. While Syria’s previous governments demanded its return, Israeli officials now view their expanded control as leverage. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated that Golan “will remain part of Israel under any future deal.”

Washington’s current approach favors incremental progress rather than grand diplomatic breakthroughs, according to senior officials.