Fact Check: U.S. sanctions on Syria last nearly 50 years before potential lift.

Fact Check: U.S. Sanctions on Syria Last Nearly 50 Years Before Potential Lift

What We Know

The claim that U.S. sanctions on Syria have lasted nearly 50 years is rooted in the historical context of U.S. foreign policy towards Syria. Syria has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism since December 1979, which marked the beginning of formal sanctions against the country (U.S. Department of State). Additional sanctions were imposed in May 2004 with the issuance of Executive Order 13338, which implemented the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act of 2003 (U.S. Department of State). Since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011, the U.S. has intensified these sanctions, targeting individuals and entities associated with the Assad regime and its human rights abuses (U.S. Department of State).

In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced a significant shift in U.S. policy, stating his intention to lift sanctions on Syria to support its path to stability and peace, while maintaining sanctions on specific individuals and groups linked to human rights abuses and terrorism (White House Fact Sheet). This announcement was part of a broader strategy to normalize relations with Syria following the fall of the Assad regime.

Analysis

The assertion that U.S. sanctions on Syria have lasted nearly 50 years is accurate when considering the initial designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979. However, the nature and scope of these sanctions have evolved over time, particularly in response to the Assad regime's actions and the ongoing civil conflict. The sanctions imposed in 2004 and intensified in 2011 were specifically aimed at curbing the regime's violent repression of its citizens and its support for terrorism (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State).

The recent announcement by President Trump to lift sanctions marks a significant policy shift, but it is essential to note that sanctions will remain in place against Bashar al-Assad and his close associates (AP News). This nuanced approach indicates that while there is a potential for lifting broader sanctions, the U.S. government still aims to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis varies. The U.S. Department of State provides official and authoritative information regarding sanctions, while the White House Fact Sheet reflects the administration's policy perspective. News outlets like AP News offer timely reporting but may carry inherent biases based on their editorial stance.

Conclusion

The claim that U.S. sanctions on Syria have lasted nearly 50 years is Partially True. While it accurately reflects the historical timeline of sanctions starting from 1979, it oversimplifies the complexity of U.S. policy, which has evolved significantly over the decades. The recent move to potentially lift sanctions indicates a shift in strategy, but it does not negate the longstanding nature of these sanctions or the ongoing restrictions against key figures in the Assad regime.

Fact Check: U.S. sanctions on Syria last nearly 50 years before potential lift.