The Syrian government has officially delivered its response to the United States regarding the conditions Washington laid out for a potential partial easing of sanctions, according to exclusive sources who spoke to Syria TV on Sunday.
The development follows recent reports by The Hill, which revealed that U.S. officials under President Donald Trump had presented a list of demands to the transitional Syrian government led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. According to the American outlet, the list was shared during a meeting with Syrian representatives last month, though it notably did not include any requirement for the removal of Russian military forces from Syrian territory.
A senior U.S. official familiar with the matter told The Hill that there had been “significant internal debate within the administration” over whether to demand the closure of Russia’s military base in Syria. “There was pressure from some within the administration to insist on the removal of Russian forces,” the official said. “However, at this stage, such a withdrawal is not a condition for lifting sanctions.”
Washington’s Conditions for Relief
Roughly two weeks ago, the U.S. State Department outlined its core requirements for any reconsideration of sanctions targeting Syria. Speaking at a press conference, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce laid out several non-negotiable conditions.
“These include a complete and verifiable crackdown on terrorism, the removal of foreign terrorist fighters from positions of authority, and steps to ensure that Iran and its proxies cannot exploit Syrian territory,” Bruce stated. She further emphasized the need for Syria to begin verifiable dismantlement of its chemical weapons arsenal.
Additionally, Bruce stressed the importance of cooperation in recovering American citizens and other missing persons in Syria, as well as guarantees for the rights and safety of religious and ethnic minorities. She made clear that any shift in U.S. policy toward the current interim authorities in Damascus would be contingent upon fulfilling these benchmarks.
“We recognize the suffering of the Syrian people, who have endured years under authoritarian rule and repression,” Bruce said. “We hope that the formation of a transitional government in Syria will mark a positive step toward inclusive governance that respects the rights of all citizens, including minorities.”
New Leadership in Washington’s Syria Desk
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department confirmed that Joel Rayburn, a veteran diplomat and former special envoy for Syria, has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, with direct oversight of the Syria file. A department spokesperson noted that a review of U.S. sanctions policy on Syria is currently underway.
In comments to Syria TV, the spokesperson added that the Biden administration holds “daily discussions” on the evolving Syrian situation and emphasized that any final decisions regarding policy and sanctions would ultimately rest with President Trump.
As Damascus and Washington cautiously navigate this new diplomatic chapter, observers say the fate of Syria’s fragile transitional government could hinge on whether it can meet the stringent conditions set forth by the United States.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
