US sets new demands on Syrian government amid sanctions talks

ANKARA

The White House has issued a list of stringent demands to the Syrian government as a precondition for considering limited sanctions relief, US media reported on Thursday.

The policy guidance, circulated by the Trump administration in recent weeks, calls on Damascus to crack down on extremist groups, expel "Palestinian militants," and ensure the safety of "chemical weapons stockpiles," reports the Wall Street Journal.

In exchange, Washington may renew a narrow sanctions waiver initially introduced under the Biden administration to facilitate humanitarian aid.

“The US currently does not recognize any entity as the government of Syria,” a State Department spokesperson was quoted by the media outlet as saying.

“Syria’s interim authorities should fully renounce and suppress terrorism,” the official stated.

Terrorism remained a major issue in Syria during the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad, and Türkiye has already raised it with the international community, as well as with President Ahmed al-Sharaa's new Syrian government, concerning the PKK/YPG terrorist organization, which is a major source of concern for Ankara.

Clearing the Syrian territory of terrorism will be Türkiye’s main priority in 2025, said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan earlier this year, pointing out that the primary target of all terrorist organizations operating in this region has always been Türkiye.

Late last month, Fidan said the most significant topic during his visit to Damascus was the “YPG issue,” noting that he addressed Türkiye’s priorities and concerns on the issue, and the Syrian administration also shared Türkiye’s perspective. “As it stands, the YPG is an inseparable part of the PKK. There is no need to even debate this,” he said.

Another request from the US involves cooperating with the International Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, safeguarding highly enriched uranium, and assisting in locating 14 Americans missing in Syria.

The White House has linked the possibility of expanded diplomatic ties and sanctions relief to full compliance with these conditions.

If Syria meets the requirements, the US would consider recognizing the country’s territorial integrity and removing terrorist designations for certain officials.

US defense officials also confirmed plans to reduce the American military footprint in Syria by half, down from approximately 2,000 troops, with further cuts under review.

These forces had been tasked with preventing extremist groups like ISIS (DAESH) from regaining ground.

The new policy, notably, does not mention Russia, signaling a shift from the Biden administration’s strategy of pressuring Damascus to end Moscow’s military presence.

Analysts warn that the absence of broader concessions could push Syria closer to Russia and China.

“Without substantial US engagement, the new Syrian government may seek support elsewhere,” the Wall Street Journal quoted Benjamin Feve, a senior analyst at Karam Shaar Advisory, as saying.

With Syria’s economy in ruins and international support critical for reconstruction, the outcome of the negotiations could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and the future of millions of displaced Syrians.