The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act repeals the Caesar Act, removing the strongest statutory sanctions on Syria. The repeal requires periodic presidential certifications — counter-ISIS action, removal of foreign fighters, minority rights, no unilateral military action against neighbours — for four years.
Why it mattersThe formal end of the sanctions era and the codification of conditionality: Syria's economic reopening is now legally tied to the transition's conduct, reviewable every six months.
Confidence: HighSources: Karam Shaar Advisory — Syria sanctions and economy analysis · Reuters · Official government statementsMethodologyCorrections