Syria's Foreign Minister Claims U.S. Sanctions Lift is Imminent Following Successful Washington Visit

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani has reported that his recent visit to Washington alongside President Ahmad al-Shara was "very successful," emphasizing that the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act is now just a "matter of time."

During a dialogue session at Chatham House in London, al-Shaybani explained, as reported by the Sana news agency, that the discussions addressed various outstanding issues between Damascus and Washington. He noted, "Relations with the United States are showing clear progress, which will have a positive impact on the entire region."

Regarding his discussions in London, the Syrian minister highlighted the existence of "important issues" with the British side, mentioning that Damascus aims to seize what he termed a "historic opportunity" to strengthen bilateral relations. He continued, stating, "Syria is no longer a marginal country; it has become significant for all nations worldwide."

Al-Shaybani remarked that Syria is currently undergoing a challenging transitional phase that requires time to regain its voice, asserting that the government aspires to build a state in which its citizens have trust and a sense of belonging.

The minister also addressed recent events on the Syrian coast and in the Suwaida province, clarifying that each had "different contexts." He indicated that the incidents on the coast were "provoked by remnants of the old regime," while the unrest in Suwaida, according to him, stemmed from "social accumulations triggered by direct Israeli intervention." He stated that the government is working to restore security in the province and provide various forms of support.

In another context, al-Shaybani accused Israel of playing a "negative role" in Syria and continuing to "violate" rights, noting that Damascus has chosen not to escalate tensions and to respond through diplomatic channels. He added, "We do not wish to be part of a proxy war. We seek to ease tensions and dispel Israeli allegations of threats, and we view any potential agreement with Israel as a contribution to Syria's reconstruction efforts."