The U.S. has lifted some sanctions on Syria following the fall of Assad's regime.

The U.S. government has announced a temporary lifting of the ban on certain financial transactions with Syrian state institutions, payments for energy resources, and transfers through the country's central bank. Any transactions benefiting Russia or Iran remain excluded.

Source. This was reported by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

“This authorization is issued for six months as the U.S. government continues to monitor the situation on the ground,” states the Treasury's website.

After December 8, 2024, institutions in the country may carry out payments related to energy resources, including oil, petroleum products, natural gas, and electricity, as well as personal money transfers to the country, including transfers through third countries.

At the same time, the ban remains in effect for any transactions benefiting the governments of Russia or Iran. The prohibition on supplying Syrian oil to the U.S. and money transfers to individuals under U.S. sanctions also remains in place.

The U.S. government aims to ensure the provision of essential services to Syrians and sustainable governance throughout the country, including the supply of electricity, water, and sanitation standards, according to the Treasury's announcement.

Background. Rebel forces captured the capital of Syria, Damascus, on December 8, declaring the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime. He fled to Moscow. According to Bloomberg, Assad's evacuation was organized by Russian intelligence officers. The fall of his regime marked the end of over 50 years of rule by the Assad family in Syria.

Recently, the European Union sent the foreign ministers of Germany and France to Syria to establish relations with the new Syrian leader. The visit was not without controversy: Al-Sharaa refused to shake hands with Annalena Baerbock, as this is not customary in Islam.