The United States Senate has approved the removal of sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act, marking a significant shift in Washington’s policy toward the war-torn country.

The decision was adopted as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the Senate on Wednesday. The provision calls for the lifting of sanctions introduced under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act and now awaits the signature of US President Donald Trump to enter into force.

The move follows a similar vote last week in the US House of Representatives, which also endorsed repealing the sanctions framework. Together, the two votes clear the legislative path for ending one of the most restrictive sanctions regimes imposed on Syria in recent years.

Officials in Damascus welcomed the Senate’s decision, describing it as a positive step toward economic recovery after years of conflict and international isolation. Syrian authorities stated that the lifting of sanctions could facilitate the return of foreign investment, revive international aid flows, and help stabilize the country’s severely strained economy.

International observers note that the decision could open the door to renewed economic engagement with Syria, particularly in reconstruction, energy, and humanitarian sectors that have long been constrained by sanctions.

The Caesar Act was enacted in December 2019, citing alleged war crimes and human rights violations, and imposed sweeping economic restrictions on Syrian individuals, institutions, and companies. The law had effectively deterred foreign businesses and governments from engaging economically with Syria.

Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s rule in 2024 and the formation of a new government under President Ahmed Shara, calls to lift the sanctions gained momentum in Washington. Supporters of the repeal argue that maintaining broad sanctions no longer serves their stated objectives and instead deepens civilian suffering.

The lifting of the Caesar Act sanctions is widely seen as a critical milestone for the new Syrian leadership’s efforts to secure political legitimacy and reintegrate the country into regional and international frameworks. (ILKHA)