New York – August 26, 2025
By, Issam Khoury
The U.S. decision to remove Syrian sanctions from federal sanction regulations has sparked many questions in political and economic circles, especially regarding its legal nature and the potential consequences for Syria’s future.
The Difference Between Removal and Termination
The Novelist and researcher Issam Khoury explains an important distinction between removal of sanctions from regulations (Delisting) and complete termination of sanctions:
- Removal (Delisting): Means the sanctions are no longer listed in the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, though they may still apply to specific individuals or entities.
- Full Termination: Means sanctions are entirely ended and no longer carry any legal obligations.
Why Weren’t the Sanctions Lifted All at Once?
The U.S. decision did not include a full and comprehensive lifting of sanctions in one step. This is due to:
- Legal Procedures: Federal law requires separate steps for each type of sanction.
- Political Calculations: Certain sanctions remain in place against individuals such as former President Bashar al-Assad and his close associates.
- International Oversight: Ensuring Syria complies with international standards and preventing loopholes from being exploited.
A Significant Legal Step
This development is a pivotal step toward reintegrating Syria into the global economy. Removing sanctions from federal regulations makes international trade and financial transactions easier and opens the door to reassessing relations with financial institutions and companies. However, keeping sanctions on specific individuals and entities reflects ongoing U.S. caution regarding Syria’s transitional stage.
The removal of Syrian sanctions from U.S. regulations does not mean the complete end of sanctions, but it is a key legal step that paves the way for greater international openness—while restrictions remain on individuals and entities tied to the former regime.
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