Syria's Sharaa and Trump Discuss Sanctions Relief in Phone Call

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa held a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Sunday, discussing support for Syria's economy and regional developments. Sharaa emphasized that lifting remaining US sanctions is crucial for reviving Syria's economy and attracting investments. The US has dismantled most of its Syria sanctions regime and repealed the Caesar Act, which targeted individuals and entities linked to former president Bashar al-Assad. However, some sanctions remain, targeting Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, Captagon traffickers, and other destabilizing actors. The US is also reviewing Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which restricts foreign aid, defense exports, and financial transactions. Lifting remaining sanctions is seen as key to the success of Syria's new government. Several Saudi firms are planning billion-dollar investments in Syria, and other Gulf states have pledged financial support.