The United States described Monday the formation of Syria’s new government as a “positive step,” but made clear it won’t ease sanctions until it sees progress on key priorities, especially combating terrorism.
“We recognize the struggles of the Syrian people who have suffered for decades under the despotic rule and oppression of the Assad regime,” said US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, hoping that this announcement represents a positive step toward an inclusive and representative Syria.
Bruce said the US has conditions for further engagement with Syria’s interim government. “Syria’s interim authorities must completely renounce and eliminate terrorism,” she noted, adding that the country’s government must “exclude foreign terrorist fighters from any official role, and prevent Iran and its proxies from exploiting Syrian territory.”
The interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the rebel coalition that overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and seized power in Damascus after nearly 14 years of civil war, announced the formation of a new government on Saturday.
Syria’s newfound government is largely dominated by his loyal supporters and includes the country’s diverse ethnic and religious communities.
Al-Sharaa will directly lead Syria’s transitional government without appointing a prime minister, taking on executive leadership himself.
Read also: EU Countries Alleviate Sanctions Imposed on Syria
After being named interim president in January, al-Sharaa said he is committed to rebuilding Syria’s institutions during a transition period that could last up to five years before elections take place.
The cabinet announcement comes after Syria issued a new constitutional declaration that establishes Islamic law as a fundamental component while also including guarantees for women’s rights and freedom of expression.
This declaration is intended to serve as the governing framework throughout the interim period under al-Sharaa’s leadership.
The world is closely following the developments in the war-torn Syria after the toppling of the al-Assad regime.
