On August 26, 2025, the OFAC issued a final rule that removes the Syrian Sanctions Regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. This action is a result of the termination of the national emergency on which the regulations were based and further changes to the policy of the United States towards Syria.
In 2004, the President issued E.O. 13338, declaring a national emergency in response to Syria's support for terrorism and other destabilizing actions, leading to the implementation of sanctions. On April 5, 2005, the OFAC established the Syrian Sanctions Regulations to enforce this Executive Order, which were later fully reissued on May 2, 2014, to incorporate subsequent Executive Orders and legislative measures. The Regulations were further amended in 2024 to align with additional sanctions and accountability acts related to human rights abuses in Syria and foreign sanctions evasion.
On June 30, 2025, the President issued E.O. 14312, “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions” (90 FR 29395, July 3, 2025), aimed at removing sanctions on Syria while excluding relief for the Islamic State, terrorist organizations, human rights abusers, and others threatening the peace and stability of the U.S., Syria, and its neighbors. As a result, OFAC is removing the Regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations. The OFAC clarified that the termination of the national emergency in E.O. 13338 will not impact any actions or pending proceedings as of July 1, 2025, nor any actions based on acts committed before that date, or rights, duties, or penalties incurred prior to July 1, 2025.
The final rule can be found here.