US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he would consider reviewing terrorism-related designations linked to Syria, in a phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al Shaibani, the US State Department said.
Rubio discussed the potential reassessment of both domestic and United Nations ‘terrorist listings and referenced past US actions to ease sanctions on Syria.
However, he pledged to maintain sanctions on what Washington calls "malign actors," including Bashar al Assad and his associates.
According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, Rubio "underscored his intent to maintain sanctions on Bashar al Assad, his associates, and others who threaten Syrian and international security."
The secretary also expressed hope that these steps would help open a new chapter in US-Syria relations and improve conditions for the Syrian people.
The two officials also discussed counterterrorism cooperation, Iran, Israeli-Syrian relations, and efforts to dismantle any remaining elements of Syria's chemical weapons programme, the statement said.
The call followed President Donald Trump’s executive order to terminate the US sanctions programme and the national emergency related to Syria.
Trump had announced the move at an investment forum in Saudi Arabia on May 13, calling the sanctions "brutal and crippling."
A day later, he held a landmark meeting in Riyadh with Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa — the first between US and Syrian leaders in 25 years.
US signals openness toward Syria
US President Donald Trump has said he lifted sanctions on Syria to "give it a chance," while Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is taking further steps to support a stable and unified Syria.
Rubio said the move follows Trump’s decision to end US sanctions, adding that American measures would not stand in the way of Syria’s future.
The United States, along with the European Union and other countries, imposed sanctions on Syria in response to the Assad regime’s violent crackdown on anti-government protests beginning in 2011.
The measures included asset freezes, restrictions on financial transfers and access to technology, and bans on dealings with the regime.
