The United States has tied future sanctions relief for Syria’s transitional government to its willingness to crack down on extremist groups and expel foreign militants, including long-standing Palestinian factions based in the country.
According to The Wall Street Journal, senior US officials say the administration of President Donald Trump is demanding that Damascus take “decisive measures” against Islamist armed groups. These steps include expelling Palestinian fighters and increasing transparency on Syria’s chemical weapons stockpiles.
The Syrian transitional government, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa (al-Julani), was formed after the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. While the new leadership has promised national reconciliation and international engagement, several of its senior figures have past affiliations with groups previously linked to al-Qaeda.
Washington remains sceptical of these assurances. Officials have indicated that a renewal of humanitarian-focused sanctions waivers—first introduced under President Joe Biden—may be considered if the new government shows progress on security and counterterrorism. These waivers allow limited aid and essential supplies to reach conflict-affected areas.
US officials stress that the government must fully reject terrorism before any broader engagement or diplomatic recognition can take place. “The United States does not currently recognize any entity as the legitimate government of Syria,” a State Department spokesperson said.
While Damascus seeks international legitimacy, Western support in the Kurdish-led northeastern Syria continues to focus on the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the AANES’s military partner, remain key to countering Islamic State (ISIS) activity in the region.
Related Articles:
Syrian groups oppose new cabinet over lack of diversity
Syria’s new transitional cabinet lacks any Kurdish representation
