US and Syrian officials discuss remaining sanctions and reconstruction plans in Istanbul

In Istanbul, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Tom Barrack, the US President’s special envoy for Iraq and Syria, met to assess the remaining US sanctions on Damascus, many of which stem from a designation made over four decades ago. They reviewed the process needed to lift these constraints and outlined reconstruction priorities as Syria seeks to attract foreign investment after the December 2024 militia offensive that removed Bashar al-Assad from power.

Although President Donald Trump ended the broad sanctions program in June 2025, the state-sponsor-of-terrorism status and its associated restrictions persist, with a congressional review still pending. The discussion also covered recent security moves, such as Syria’s participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and its actions against Hezbollah and Iranian influence. Even if the terrorism designation is eventually rescinded, the US will continue targeting specific individuals and entities linked to terrorism and human-rights abuses. The meeting reflects Syria’s broader effort to reintegrate into the international financial system while addressing US security concerns.