Rubio Engages in Talks with Syrian Foreign Minister Amid U.S. Sanctions Lift

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent meeting with Syria's foreign minister reflects a significant thaw in U.S.-Syria relations after nearly 14 years of Syria's civil unrest and economic suffering.

On May 15, 2025, amidst a historic shift in U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani in Antalya, Turkey. This meeting comes on the heels of President Trump's surprising announcement that the U.S. would lift longstanding sanctions against Syria, an action intended to support the new Syrian leadership recently established after the ousting of dictator Bashar al-Assad.

The sanctions' removal is anticipated to provide crucial economic relief to Syria, which has endured a devastating civil war for over a decade. Trump's announcement, made during a ceremonial visit to Saudi Arabia, marks a pivotal moment for Syria's newly appointed president, Ahmed al-Shara, a former rebel leader seeking to gain international legitimacy for his government.

Reports from both the Turkish and Syrian foreign ministries indicate that Rubio and al-Shaibani discussed a framework for removing sanctions, although the specifics and timeline of this process remain ambiguous. While President Trump has the authority to lift some sanctions unilaterally, comprehensive sanctions will require Congressional action, a process that could take considerable time.

On the same day as the meeting, the U.S. Treasury Department communicated via social media that it was initiating steps to lift the sanctions at President Trump's directive, adding to the diplomatic momentum witnessed during Rubio's talks with the Syrian officials. The unfolding situation suggests a pivotal shift in how the U.S. engages with Middle Eastern nations following years of conflict and political turmoil.