Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Provides for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions
6/30/2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Terminate the broad Syria sanctions program to support Syria’s path to stability and peace while maintaining targeted sanctions on individuals and groups linked to human rights abuses, terrorism, and chemical weapons.
- Selective Sanctions Maintained: Continues sanctions on Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, persons linked to chemical weapons activities, ISIS or its affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
- Secretary of State Directives:
- Evaluate potential suspension of sanctions under the Caesar Act if specific criteria are met.
- Review designations for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and for HTS and Ahmed al-Sharaa as Specially Designated Global Terrorists.
- Review Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
- Explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to support Syria’s stability.
- Regulatory Adjustments: Permit relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waive restrictions on select foreign assistance to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction.
- Policy Objectives:
- Support Syria’s rebuild and counter terrorism without empowering harmful actors.
- Encourage Syria to take concrete steps towards normalizing relations with Israel, addressing terrorism, and ensuring security in the Middle East.
- Implementation Background:
- An earlier commitment from May 13 to lift sanctions has been reinforced by issuing a general license (GL25) and a 180‑day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.
- President Trump emphasizes the need for Syria to “shine” in its pursuit of peace and stability.
Risks & Considerations
- The termination of sanctions on Syria could lead to geopolitical shifts that may impact international relations and security dynamics. This could affect Vanderbilt University’s international programs and partnerships, particularly those involving Middle Eastern studies or collaborations with institutions in the region.
- While the Executive Order aims to support Syria’s path to stability, there is a risk that the relaxation of sanctions could inadvertently empower harmful actors if not carefully monitored. This could lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory challenges for any academic or research collaborations involving Syrian entities.
- The directive to review Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and other related designations may lead to changes in U.S. foreign policy that could impact funding and support for research initiatives related to terrorism and security studies.
- Vanderbilt University may need to consider the implications of these policy changes on its students and faculty who are involved in research or fieldwork in the Middle East, ensuring their safety and compliance with evolving regulations.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies may experience increased demand for expertise and analysis on the evolving political landscape in Syria and the broader Middle East. This could present opportunities for research and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental organizations.
- The Office of Global Safety and Security might need to update its travel advisories and support services for students and faculty traveling to or conducting research in the region, ensuring their safety and compliance with new regulations.
- Vanderbilt’s International Programs could be affected by changes in U.S. foreign policy, necessitating adjustments in partnerships and collaborations with institutions in the Middle East.
Financial Impact
- The lifting of sanctions may open new avenues for funding and collaboration with Syrian institutions, potentially benefiting research and academic programs at Vanderbilt. However, this also requires careful navigation of compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Changes in U.S. foreign policy and international relations could impact the availability of federal grants and funding for research related to Middle Eastern studies, terrorism, and security.
- Vanderbilt University may need to reassess its financial strategies and partnerships in the region to align with the new geopolitical landscape and ensure continued support for its programs and initiatives.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international programs and partnerships.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s International Relations Department should analyze the implications of the lifting of Syria sanctions on regional stability and U.S. foreign policy. This analysis can inform curriculum development and research initiatives focused on Middle Eastern politics and international diplomacy.
- The Office of Federal Relations should monitor any changes in U.S. foreign assistance policies towards Syria and assess potential opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage in research or humanitarian projects in the region. This could include partnerships with international organizations or government agencies.
- Vanderbilt’s Law School could explore the legal ramifications of the executive order, particularly in relation to international law and human rights. This could lead to the development of specialized courses or seminars on sanctions law and policy.
- The Center for Middle Eastern Studies should consider hosting forums or conferences to discuss the impact of the executive order on Syria and the broader Middle East. These events could position Vanderbilt as a leader in academic discourse on Middle Eastern affairs.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to engage in educational initiatives aimed at rebuilding Syria’s educational infrastructure. By collaborating with international partners, Peabody can contribute to the development of educational programs that promote peace and stability.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the potential for increased academic exchanges and collaborations with Syrian institutions. This could include joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and student study abroad programs, enhancing Vanderbilt’s global reach and impact.
- The emphasis on countering terrorism and promoting stability aligns with Vanderbilt’s Security Studies Program. The program can expand its research and policy analysis on counterterrorism strategies and their effectiveness in the Middle East.
- By engaging with policymakers and international organizations, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the conversation on post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding in Syria. This could lead to increased visibility and influence in shaping international policy.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents some adjustments needed to processes or procedures, particularly in international relations and educational initiatives.)
Timeline for Implementation
- 180-day waiver of sanctions under the Caesar Act.
Relevance Score: 1
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of State: The Secretary of State is tasked with evaluating the suspension of sanctions, reviewing the designation of terrorist organizations, and exploring sanctions relief avenues at the United Nations, making it a central agency in executing the Order.
- Department of the Treasury: The Treasury Department has already taken steps by issuing a general license (GL25) to authorize transactions with Syria’s interim government entities and state-owned enterprises, demonstrating its key role in implementing the sanctions relief measures.
Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are impacted by the Order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of State – Tasked with evaluating the suspension of sanctions, reviewing terrorist designations (including those for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Syria’s state sponsor status), and exploring avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations.
Relevance Score: 4 (Directives affect an agency head, significantly impacting U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.)