Syrian Foreign Minister Claims Lifting of Sanctions is Imminent as Country Pursues New Regional Model

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani remarked on Thursday that the lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed under the Caesar Act is approaching, suggesting that current diplomatic initiatives are focused on reestablishing Syria's global relations on mutual respect.

Al-Shibani noted that President Ahmad al-Shara's upcoming visit to Washington is a significant move in the political and diplomatic outreach that Damascus is pursuing following years of international isolation.

The minister asserted that Syria will not revert to any form of sectarian governance, emphasizing the government's ambition to reshape the country into a model for the region and beyond, grounded in civil principles.

He described recent events in the coastal and Sweida regions as a critical test of the government's capacity to uphold security and tackle challenges in the post-conflict landscape.

On regional dynamics, al-Shibani characterized Israel as a detrimental influence on Syria's future, stressing that it opposes the changes sought by the Syrian populace and aims to disrupt any paths toward reform or sovereignty within the nation.