The Syrian Future Movement is following with great interest the unanimous approval by the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday night, June 17, 2026, of Bill S. 3172, which provides for the final repeal of the “Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act” of 2003 and the “Syria Human Rights Accountability Act” of 2012. This bill was introduced bipartisanly by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), and former Senator Marquin Mullen (R-Oklahoma) in November 2025, following their visits to Syria and meetings with President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
This decision comes after a series of executive actions taken by the US administration during 2025 to ease sanctions, and within the context of a noticeable rapprochement between Washington and Damascus, which included two meetings between Presidents Trump and al-Sharaa.
The Syrian Future Movement values this historic step, considering it the culmination of continuous diplomatic efforts and an American recognition of the legitimacy of the “New Syria” path.
The Syrian Future Movement also highly commends this decision, which ends a two-decade-long legislative legacy that was one of the most prominent tools Washington used to isolate and punish the ousted regime.
It is worth noting that these laws were not only a tool of pressure on the former regime, but also a major cause of the suffering of the Syrian people, as they imposed restrictions on American exports, froze Syrian assets, and hampered investment and economic recovery.
We see their repeal as an implicit acknowledgment by Washington that the new Syria has become a viable partner in the region, and that the interests of the Syrian people require moving beyond these outdated punitive measures.
The Syrian Future Movement reiterates its unwavering support for lifting the unjust sanctions imposed on the Syrian people, as published on its official website. This includes:
The statement on “Switzerland’s Decision to Remove 7 Syrian Entities from Sanctions Lists” (dated June 16, 2026), issued just two days prior, which welcomed the Swiss move, considering it part of a broader process for reintegrating Syria into the international community.
The study “Priorities for Reconstruction in Syria” (dated December 19, 2024), which indicated that economic sanctions were a major obstacle to recovery efforts and called for intensified international pressure to lift them completely.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that this decision, despite its historical significance, remains only a first step on a long road, as other sanctions are still in place, most notably Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Syrian Future Movement notes that Bill S. 3172, which has passed in committee, still requires a final vote in a full Senate session and approval from the House of Representatives before it can be sent to the President for his signature.
The Syrian Future Movement also reminds the public that repealing these two bills does not automatically mean the lifting of all sanctions. Other sanctions remain in place, including Syria’s continued designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which constitutes a major obstacle to full economic recovery.
We emphasize that the complete lifting of sanctions also requires removing this designation, which would allow for the flow of investments and reconstruction.
While the Syrian Future Movement appreciates this positive step, it reiterates that international rapprochement is not an end in itself, but rather a means to improve the lives of citizens and build a state based on institutions.
Based on its national responsibility, the Syrian Future Movement recommends the following:
- Continuing diplomatic efforts to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and working to convince the US administration that the new Syria no longer poses a threat, but can instead be a partner in combating terrorism and promoting regional stability.
- Capitalizing on the international détente to attract investments and launch reconstruction projects by creating an attractive investment environment, enhancing transparency, and combating corruption, thus making Syria a safe destination for capital.
- Strengthening governance and oversight mechanisms for institutions that will engage in international cooperation, to ensure that this openness supports reform and does not provide cover for a return to past practices.
- Announcing a comprehensive national plan to utilize the lifting of sanctions to improve essential services (health, education, energy, and water), so that citizens feel this international détente translates into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
In conclusion, the Syrian Future Movement reiterates its welcome of this historic step, which turns a page on isolation and sanctions and opens new horizons for a new Syria.
We call on the Syrian government to capitalize on this momentum and prove that the growing international confidence is well-deserved by continuing the path of political and economic reforms, enhancing transparency and combating corruption, and building the state of law and institutions that Syrians have long dreamed of. For its part, the Syrian Future Movement will remain supportive, critical, and observant of this path, striving to build the new Syria on the foundations of sovereignty, dignity, and sustainable development.
