The US Congress is set to repeal the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019 through a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation originally imposed heavy sanctions to punish the now-deposed Assad regime for war crimes.
Conditions for Repeal The repeal is not automatic it requires the US President to certify progress in specific areas. Reports must be submitted to Congress initially within 90 days, and then every 180 days for four years, confirming that Syria is:
Taking tangible steps to eliminate ISIS and other terrorist groups.
Respecting minority rights.
Refraining from military action against neighbors.
Combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and drug production.
Prosecuting crimes against humanity committed by the former regime.
If the President determines over two reporting periods that these conditions are not being met, the sanctions can be reimposed. This legislative move follows a shift in US policy initiated by President Donald Trump earlier in 2025:
May 2025: Trump met with new Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia.
June 2025: An executive order was issued to formally remove comprehensive US sanctions.
July/November 2025: The State Department revoked the terrorist designation of the al-Nusrah Front (Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham) and removed Sharaa from the global terrorist list.
US partially suspends Caesar Act sanctions on Syria for 180 days
