Washington: The US has announced a targeted easing of export restrictions to Syria, allowing American companies to seek approvals for licenses in key sectors, including energy, telecommunications, infrastructure, and aviation, US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack stated.

According to Anadolu Agency, Barrack emphasized the necessity of economic functionality for stability, highlighting the significance of the recent decision by the US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The department announced the easing of licensing requirements for civilian exports to Syria, which includes items classified under BIS's regulations as 'EAR99', consumer communications devices, and certain items related to civil aviation.

The new rule facilitates the approval of licenses for exports related to telecommunications infrastructure, sanitation, power generation, and civil aviation. However, all applications for exports of dual-use items will continue to undergo a case-by-case review, with restrictions maintained for exports to end-users identified as malign actors.

This development follows earlier actions by the US Treasury, which removed Syria from certain sanctions lists under the Code of Federal Regulations. The Office of Foreign Assets Control ended restrictions first imposed in 2004 and expanded during the Syrian conflict, citing the termination of the national emergency on which these regulations were based.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the prior decision, recognizing it as a positive step that could improve humanitarian and economic conditions. This comes after the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime last December, with Assad fleeing to Russia and a new transitional administration under Ahmed al-Sharaa forming in January.