WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has officially ended most U.S. sanctions on Syria, aiming to reintegrate the nation into the global economy and encourage regional ties, especially with Israel.

The move follows appeals from Saudi Arabia and Turkey after Syria’s new leader, former rebel Ahmed al-Sharaa, replaced the Assad regime. Trump revoked the national emergency order from 2004 that had cut off Syria from global financial systems.

While sanctions on Bashar al-Assad and remnants of his government remain, the White House said this shift supports Syria’s path to peace and reconstruction. Syrian officials called it a major turning point for rebuilding and repatriating displaced citizens.

The Treasury said this would revive Syria’s access to global commerce and attract regional investment. Syria recently completed its first international banking transaction since 2011.

Israel, once wary of Sharaa’s Islamist links, is now open to normalising relations with Syria and Lebanon, potentially expanding the Abraham Accords. Trump officials believe the timing is ideal, citing weakening Iranian influence and growing regional momentum.