Syria responds to US conditions for sanctions relief with written proposal: Report
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani raises the new Syrian flag during a flag raising ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Syria has formally responded in writing to a list of U.S. conditions for possible partial sanctions relief, claiming it has fulfilled most of the demands while others require “mutual understandings” with Washington, according to a copy of the letter seen by Reuters.
Syrian letter addresses chemical weapons, missing Americans
The United States last month presented Syria with eight conditions, including the destruction of remaining chemical weapons stockpiles and assurances that foreigners would not hold senior government positions.
In the four-page letter, Syria stated it had taken significant steps to meet several conditions, including establishing a liaison office within its foreign ministry to assist in locating missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice.
The letter also detailed Syria’s efforts to manage chemical weapons, highlighting improved cooperation with international arms watchdogs.
Key issues remain unresolved, including foreign fighters and counterterrorism coordination
Despite progress on some points, the letter left critical demands unaddressed. It acknowledged discussions with former U.S. envoy Daniel Rubinstein regarding foreign fighters but indicated the issue required “a broader consultative session.”
It confirmed the suspension of military rank issuance to foreigners but did not clarify if previously appointed foreign fighters had been stripped of their ranks.
Regarding U.S. counterterrorism operations, Syria stated that “mutual understandings” were necessary and pledged that its interim government would not tolerate threats to U.S. or Western interests. However, it did not directly authorize U.S. counterterrorism strikes inside Syrian territory.
US acknowledges receipt, evaluating Syrian response
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed that Washington had received a response from Syrian authorities, saying, “We are now evaluating the response and do not have anything to share at this time.”
The spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. “does not recognize any entity as the government of Syria and that any future normalization of relations will be determined by the interim authorities’ actions.”
Syria’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Syria vows not to threaten Israel or host armed Palestinian factions
The Syrian letter also addressed concerns about Palestinian militant groups operating in Syria.
It cited the formation of a committee tasked with monitoring Palestinian factions and stated that armed groups outside of government control would not be permitted.
“While discussions on this matter can continue, the overarching position is that we will not allow Syria to become a source of threat to any party, including Israel,” the letter said.
Shortly after the letter was sent, Syria detained two officials from the Islamic Jihad group.
US-Syria dialogue ongoing amid sanctions pressure
The letter, reportedly sent on April 14, also revealed ongoing communication between Syrian and U.S. counterterrorism officials in Amman regarding efforts against the Islamic State, a previously unreported development.
Syria expressed hope that its actions could pave the way for broader talks with Washington, including discussions on reopening embassies and lifting sanctions.
A senior diplomat and another individual familiar with the letter told Reuters that Syria had fully addressed five out of the eight U.S. demands, while the remaining issues were still pending resolution.
