The United States has presented Syria with a series of conditions that must be met for partial sanctions relief, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. Key demands include ensuring that foreign fighters do not hold senior positions within the Syrian government.
During a face-to-face meeting at a Syria donor conference in Brussels on March 18, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Levant and Syria, Natasha Franceschi, conveyed these requirements to Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani. This marks the first high-level discussion between the two nations since President Donald Trump assumed office.
Among the conditions stipulated by the U.S. are the complete destruction of any remaining chemical weapons and increased cooperation on counter-terrorism. Washington has also requested that Syria designate a liaison to aid in efforts to locate Austin Tice, a U.S. journalist who has been missing in Syria for over a decade.
In exchange for full compliance with these demands, the United States is prepared to offer some sanctions relief, which may include a two-year extension of existing exemptions for transactions with Syrian governing bodies. Additionally, the U.S. would issue a statement affirming Syria’s territorial integrity.
Currently, Syria's foreign ministry has not publicly responded to these developments, and there is no specified timeline for the fulfillment of the U.S. conditions. The ongoing sanctions have significantly impacted Syria's economy, which has struggled under the weight of nearly 14 years of conflict.