As part of an apparent change in US policy toward Syria, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (commonly referred to as “Caesar Act”) sanctions have been temporarily lifted following high-stakes talks between President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House. Al Jazeera +4 and Reuters both provided evidence supporting this development.
Background of the Caesar Act

The Caesar Act, passed by US Congress in 2019, sought to impose broad sanctions against Syria’s government, military, and foreign backers (notably Iran and Russia) for suspected war-crimes and human-rights abuses during Syria’s long civil war. For more information please see Wikipedia.
Wikipedia
US law strictly disfavored dealings between businesses and the Syrian state for reconstruction efforts, effectively isolating Damascus from much of the international financial system. What transpired: Trump-al-Sharaa meeting

On 10 November 2025, President Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House – marking an historic occasion as it marked his first visit since Syria’s independence.
Reuters + The Washington Post for more details
The meeting followed months of shifting US-Syria relations and followed Washington’s decision to remove al-Sharaa from its list of terrorist suspects. (Washington Post + Guardian)
Trump spoke highly of al-Sharaa, calling him a “tough guy and fighter”, and pledged his commitment to seeing Syria become “an extremely successful country”. Al Jazeera+1.
Following this meeting, the US Treasury Department immediately announced a 180-day suspension of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria. Al Jazeera reported this development. Similarly Iran International also provided information.
Statement issued by Russia International Bank clarified that this suspension does not cover transactions involving governments of Russia and Iran, or transfers of goods, technology and services of Russian or Iranian origin into Syria.
While sanctions were not fully removed (that would require congressional action), their gradual reduction marks a major shift in US policy towards conditional engagement with Damascus.
The Guardian (+1).
Implications The lifting of sanctions has significant ramifications. Syrian authorities view it as an opportunity to increase private sector engagement, reconstruction efforts, and potential foreign investments that had long been prohibited under previous regime of sanctions. Al Jazeera provided more details.
US officials believe this move forms part of an overall strategy: they expect Syria to join the US-led coalition against Islamic State (ISIS), while also pushing for the normalization of regional relations between Syria and Israel. Reuters Challenges Ahead & Skepticism Abound

Even as momentum gathers, significant obstacles remain: Congress must vote to fully repeal the Caesar Act if permanent relief is to be secured.
Reuters.
Critics question whether Damascus meets human rights and transparency criteria that underpinned sanctions. Several issues pertaining to Syria’s reconstruction such as scale of reconstruction work being undertaken; foreign intervention (Russia/Iran); accountability for past abuses as well as compensation are still contentious issues.
Regional players such as Israel have expressed worry, as any normalization between Washington and Damascus could alter power dynamics and security arrangements in the Middle East.
The Guardian
Stay tuned for live blog-style takeaways throughout this weekend from Syria!
11 November 2025: US extends Syria sanctions waiver by 180 days following Trump-al-Sharaa meeting, according to Al Jazeera +1 (+1 for Al Jazeera+1) Major policy shift: transition away from sanctions-only engagement towards conditional engagement.

Key exceptions remain in effect pertaining to Iran/Russia transactions.

Watch List: Congress deliberations over full repeal; Syria’s commitments regarding terrorism, human-rights abuses, regional cooperation.

Potential Results: Should Washington achieve their desired goals, Syria could regain access to investment and rejoin regional diplomacy.

Risk Factors: Reconstruction may benefit Russian/Iranian actors; delays or backsliding could trigger reinstatement of sanctions on Syria.

Conclusion
President Trump and Syrian President al-Sharaa’s meeting marks a historic turning point in US-Syria relations, with President Trump temporarily suspending Caesar Act sanctions opening up a pragmatic pathway towards engagement with Damascus. Although temporary in nature and not permanent yet, its removal signifies an intentional shift from punitive isolation towards cautious re-integration; whether this leads to meaningful change and allows the US to retain leverage will depend upon follow through by both Washington and Damascus alike.