U.S. Congressman Proposes Flexible Mechanism to Modify Sanctions on Syria

Republican Congressman Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, revealed that he supports moving forward with lifting the comprehensive sanctions imposed on Syria, while introducing a mechanism that would automatically reinstate them if the Syrian transitional government fails to meet agreed-upon conditions. His remarks came in an interview with The Hill published Thursday, amid ongoing congressional discussions over the future of the Caesar Act.

Mast explained that his proposal aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a full cancellation of the sanction’s framework, noting that current authorities allow the president to suspend sanctions for up to six months, with the possibility of renewal. Lawmakers from both parties are seeking to include a permanent provision within the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow for lifting the sanctions in exchange for clear compliance with defined standards.

Mast said daily communications are taking place with the White House to reach a compromise formula that addresses the concerns of some members who fear that lifting sanctions without safeguards could affect the political transition process in Syria. According to The Hill, Mast is navigating between two blocs within Congress: one calling for a full repeal of the Caesar Act, and another preferring to maintain pressure tools out of concern that Damascus may backtrack on its commitments after the fall of the previous regime.

Critics of the “conditional reinstatement” approach argue that the mere possibility of reimposing sanctions could create an unstable investment environment in Syria and limit the ability of U.S. companies and Washington’s allies to engage in reconstruction projects. They also believe that maintaining sanctions, even in a modified form, complicates efforts to track the fate of American citizens who went missing during the war years.

In contrast, President Donald Trump continues to support the option of fully lifting the sanctions—an approach he reiterated during his recent meeting with Syria’s transitional prime minister, Ahmad Al-Sharaa, in Washington. Trump praised the government’s efforts to rebuild state institutions and confirmed that there are understandings between the two sides regarding the sanctions issue.

According to informed sources, Trump’s position received additional support following interventions by regional leaders. The U.S. president said that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had requested the lifting of sanctions, arguing that their continuation hampers efforts to revive the Syrian economy. Trump said he responded to these requests, affirming that “the results so far are positive.”