Syria has formally responded to a US list of conditions for potential sanctions relief, addressing most demands but seeking further talks on contentious issues, according to a letter obtained by Reuters. The response, sent on 14 April, outlines actions taken by Syria’s transitional government to meet eight US requirements, which include destroying chemical weapons stockpiles and ensuring foreigners do not hold senior roles in governance or the military.
The United States delivered these conditions to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani during a meeting in Brussels on 18 March, as part of efforts to engage Syria’s transitional government, formed after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria’s economy, devastated by 14 years of war, urgently needs sanctions relief to recover, with the US offering a possible two-year extension of a current six-month sanctions exemption if all demands are met.
In the letter, Syria pledges to establish a liaison office to locate missing US journalist Austin Tice and details efforts to address chemical weapons, including cooperation with a global arms watchdog. It also vows not to pose a threat to Israel, stating that a committee has been formed to monitor Palestinian armed factions in Syria. “We will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel,” the letter stated.
However, the response is less clear on removing foreign fighters from military roles, a key US demand. The letter notes that the promotion of six foreign individuals, including Uyghurs, a Jordanian and a Turk, has been suspended, but it does not confirm their removal or outline future steps. A Syrian official indicated that Damascus may delay action on this issue, citing the contributions of non-Syrian rebels in overthrowing Assad.
On US requests for permission to conduct counterterrorism strikes in Syria, the letter calls for “mutual understandings” and pledges to implement “appropriate legal measures” to prevent threats to US or Western interests. Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa (aka Julani) has previously expressed unease about unauthorised US military presence in the country, suggesting any such actions should be agreed with the state.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani addressed the United Nations Security Council on 25 April, reinforcing the letter’s commitments, particularly on chemical weapons and the search for missing Americans. Two Western officials and a Syrian official confirmed the letter’s contents align with these public statements. Shibani is expected to discuss the letter further with US officials during his visit to New York.
The US State Department acknowledged receiving Syria’s response but declined to comment further, stating it does not recognise any entity as Syria’s government and that future relations depend on the interim authorities’ actions. Syria’s foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
The transitional government, led by al-Sharaa, faces pressure to balance international demands with domestic priorities. While it seeks legitimacy and economic recovery, the presence of former al-Qaeda-affiliated figures in its ranks has raised concerns in Washington. The US has tied broader engagement, including diplomatic recognition, to Syria’s rejection of terrorism and expulsion of foreign militants, including Palestinian factions.
Meanwhile, in northeastern Syria, the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) and its military partner, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), continue to receive Western support for their role in countering Islamic State activity.
