The United Kingdom announced substantial amendments to its Syria sanctions regime, signaling a strategic shift in support of Syria’s post-Assad reconstruction. The updated regulations lift sanctions on 12 Syrian entities and remove restrictions in select sectors, including financial services and energy production.
According to the UK government, the April 24, 2025 changes are designed to facilitate essential investment in Syria’s economic infrastructure and to support long-term regional stability.
Entities removed from the sanctions list include the Syrian Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, and several state-affiliated media companies. Restrictions related to individuals involved in the former regime and the captagon trade remain in force.
Hamish Falconer, UK Minister for the Middle East, stated:
“The Syrian people deserve the opportunity to rebuild their country and economy, and a stable Syria is in the UK’s national interest. That’s why I’m pleased the UK has amended its Syria sanctions and lifted sanctions on 12 entities to support them to do just that.”
The updated measures build on the UK’s March decision to delist 24 additional Syrian entities, including the Central Bank of Syria and Syrian Arab Airlines. The government reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian access, political transition, and combatting terrorism, pledging £160 million to Syrian recovery efforts in 2025.
In contrast, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has not announced new Syria-related sanctions actions since 6 January 2025. On that date, OFAC issued General License 24, expanding authorizations for activities aimed at meeting basic human needs and maintaining essential services in Syria.
Then-Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo noted at the time:
“The end of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal and repressive rule… provides a unique opportunity for Syria and its people to rebuild.”
GL 24 allows for six months of authorized activity, including support for energy, water, sanitation, and stabilization functions. However, the license does not unblock any sanctioned persons or permit financial transfers to the Assad regime or entities such as Hay’at Tahrir al Sham (HTS).
OFAC emphasized that U.S. persons may continue to send personal remittances and that implementing partners should refer to existing guidance under the Syria Compliance Communique and FAQs for additional clarity.
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