The U.S. Treasury Department announced that U.S. sanctions imposed on Syria will not apply to transactions related to earthquake aid until August 8, 2023. The department stated in a release that this license will be effective for 180 days (6 months), until 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on August 8, 2023, specifically referring to the transfer of funds to and from Syria, as reported by the Russian news agency "Tass."
Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo said, "As foreign allies and humanitarian partners move to assist those affected, I want to clarify that U.S. sanctions on Syria will not obstruct efforts to save Syrian lives." He added that U.S. sanctions against Syria previously included several exceptions related to humanitarian aid provided by the U.S., the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations.
Adeyemo clarified that the granted license does not cover actions related to the sale of Syrian oil and petroleum products in the U.S., nor does it apply to individuals whose properties U.S. authorities have previously designated as "blocked property."
