Syrian Diplomat Meets US Officials in New York Amid Sanctions Talks

Syria’s top diplomat, Assad al-Shaibani, met with US State Department officials on Tuesday in New York. This marks a rare diplomatic engagement between Syria and the United States. The meeting comes as Syria seeks a clear plan from Washington for lifting long-standing economic sanctions.

Al-Shaibani is in New York to attend United Nations meetings. He received a special visa to enter the US, allowing him to join international talks. This was first reported by Al Arabiya English.

First Meeting on US Soil

This is the first time that al-Shaibani has met American officials on US territory. According to Reuters, he is expected to push for a detailed path toward easing US sanctions. These sanctions have damaged Syria’s economy, which is struggling after 14 years of war.

A US official told Al Arabiya that the talks will not lead to normalized ties between Washington and Damascus. State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that no policy change has been made regarding Syria.

Background on Sanctions

The United States, along with Britain and the European Union, imposed sanctions on Syria over the past decade. These measures were aimed at pressuring former president Bashar al-Assad to step down and to stop human rights abuses. The sanctions have since remained in place.

In January 2025, the US announced a six-month pause on some sanctions. This was intended to help humanitarian aid reach Syrians in need. However, this relief has made only a small difference on the ground.

Earlier in April, the US handed Damascus a list of eight conditions that must be met before more sanctions can be lifted. These include:

• Destroying any remaining chemical weapons
• Ending the use of torture in detention centers
• Ensuring no foreign nationals hold top positions in government
• Allowing international monitors full access to prisons
• Stopping the bombing of civilian areas
• Resuming talks with opposition groups
• Ensuring the safe return of refugees
• Supporting a political transition process

So far, Syria has responded to the list. However, US officials say that major progress is still needed.

Syria Wants Clear Timeline

Sources say Damascus is looking for a firm timeline for when sanctions could be lifted. Syrian officials believe this could help rebuild the country’s economy. Much of Syria’s infrastructure, from hospitals to power stations, has been destroyed or damaged by the long civil war.

The lack of foreign investment and blocked access to international markets continue to hurt Syria’s recovery. Lifting sanctions, even in part, could allow for trade, reconstruction, and aid programs to resume on a larger scale.

Symbolic Moves

Just last week, al-Shaibani made headlines by raising the three-star flag used by Syrian opposition forces. This symbolic act came on the 14th anniversary of the start of the war. It surprised many and raised questions about Syria’s willingness to start a new chapter.

Analysts say this gesture may have been aimed at showing openness to dialogue and reform. Whether that message reaches Washington remains to be seen.

Limited Engagement for Now

For now, the US government is clear: There is no plan to restore full diplomatic relations with Syria. The meeting with al-Shaibani is viewed as a limited engagement focused on humanitarian and security issues.

Still, this rare contact could open the door to more dialogue. Both sides appear to want progress, but big differences remain.

More updates are expected if follow-up meetings take place or if Syria makes moves toward meeting US conditions.