Trump signs executive order lifting most sanctions on Syria

President Trump has signed an executive order rescinding most US sanctions on Syria, a major step towards normalization with the West. The move comes after Trump's historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who urged the US to lift sanctions to help rebuild the country after 14 years of civil war. The executive order outlines a sweeping reversal of US policy towards Syria, including a review of Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and potential suspension of the Caesar Act. The US is also considering removing Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the foreign terrorist organization list. However, sanctions against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and members of his regime will not be lifted. The Trump administration is holding preliminary discussions with Israel and Syria on a potential security agreement between the two longtime enemy states. The talks aim to reduce tensions and update security arrangements along the volatile Israel-Syria border. Israel is pushing for assurances that any talks will ultimately lead to a full peace agreement and normalization, while the US favors a gradual process that builds trust and improves relations. The status of the Golan Heights, which Israel captured from Syria in 1967, remains a major question mark in any future peace talks. Israeli officials hope to see the Trump administration pushing more assertively on this track, and a deal is possible but will take time.