US diplomat sets conditions for Syria’s sanctions relief, signals re-engagement opportunity

A senior US diplomat for the Middle East laid out a set of demands that the Syrian leadership must meet in exchange for potential sanctions relief, signaling Washington's openness to re-engage with Syria if progress is made on critical issues.

Tim Lenderking, a senior official in the State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs under the Trump administration, detailed the US position during a webinar hosted by the National Council on US-Arab Relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media. 

While sanctions against Syria remain in place, Lenderking stressed there is room for flexibility if the interim authorities in Syria demonstrate significant changes. 

“We’re looking for an opportunity where we can build confidence,” Lenderking said. “These are not things that can be remedied overnight, but there’s a keenness on the part of the United States to engage and really see what these guys are made of.”

Key US expectations include obtaining credible information regarding the whereabouts of Americans detained or disappeared in Syrian prisons, particularly journalist Austin Tice. Lenderking noted that while he was "very pleased" with a January 19 meeting between Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Tice’s mother, Deborah, “we need to know where he is,” adding that the fate of other missing Americans must also be clarified. 

Another critical issue is Iran’s presence in Syria. “We are very keen and determined to see that Iran does not gain a foothold back in Syrian territory,” Lenderking stated, stressing that the US demands assurances that Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, will be kept out of Syria. Lenderking also urged the Syrian government to continue its efforts against terrorism, particularly ISIS (Daesh). He welcomed the March agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian government to integrate the northeast of Syria into a unified state, although he acknowledged that the implementation of these agreements is fraught with challenges. 

“We recognize the implementation of these agreements are fraught with challenges, but the parties must come to a solution that ensures that ISIS and any other terror group can never again resurge in Syria,” Lenderking added.

Additionally, Lenderking emphasised the importance of dismantling all chemical weapons and their precursors, as well as adopting non-aggression principles toward neighbouring countries. He also called for accountability for war crimes, specifically citing the violence in Latakia in March, which he attributed to Iran and the remnants of the Assad regime. 

The diplomat further demanded the expulsion of all foreign fighters from Syria’s government and security positions. “We will consider sanctions relief, provided the interim authorities take demonstrable steps in the directions that I have articulated,” Lenderking said. “We want Syria to have a second chance.”

The call for change in Syria comes after the departure of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled the country for nearly 25 years. Assad fled to Russia on December 8, marking the end of the Baath Party’s rule, which had held power since 1963. Following Assad’s departure, a transitional administration was announced on January 29, led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

By Naila Huseynova