The Damascus press conference

UN Secretary-General António Guterres concluded a two-day visit to Syria with a press conference in Damascus on Sunday, 26 July 2026. Addressing journalists, he called for the immediate and complete lifting of all international sanctions that were imposed on the country during the rule of Bashar al-Assad. Guterres acknowledged that some restrictions had already been eased, but he stressed that partial measures were not enough to allow Syria's economy to recover.

“I welcome the measures that have eased sanctions and opened new opportunities for an economic recovery, but all these sanctions must be lifted immediately.”

Sanctions rooted in the Assad era

The sanctions were originally put in place to pressure the government of Bashar al-Assad. That government fell in December 2024, when a coalition of Islamist rebel forces seized control of Damascus. The overthrow brought an end to more than 13 years of civil war, a conflict that was both deadly and devastating, leaving the country's economy in ruins and its infrastructure heavily damaged. The war, which lasted over 13 years, was marked by widespread destruction and a heavy civilian toll. Despite the regime change, many of the sanctions remained active, continuing to restrict Syria's access to global trade and finance.

New leadership and reconstruction efforts

Since Assad's departure, Syria has been led by new authorities under Ahmad al-Chareh, who headed the rebel coalition that toppled the former president. Their immediate focus has been on reconstruction and reviving an economy shattered by over a decade of war. The task is enormous: rebuilding cities, restoring basic services, and creating conditions for displaced Syrians to return. Al-Chareh's government has sought international recognition and support for its reconstruction agenda. The persistence of sanctions, however, has hampered these efforts by limiting foreign investment, blocking international banking channels, and deterring trade partners.

The UN's stance and the path forward

Guterres's appeal, delivered from the Syrian capital, signals a clear UN position that the original justification for the sanctions no longer holds. He did not specify which countries or blocs still maintain restrictive measures, but his call was directed at all international actors with sanctions still in force. The Secretary-General's visit and his public statement are likely to intensify diplomatic discussions about the pace and scope of sanctions relief. His message was unambiguous: partial easing is welcome, but only full removal can unlock Syria's recovery and reintegration into the global economy.