U.S. OFAC amends Syria-Related Sanctions Regulations
Integrates recent executive orders
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury today released a final rule amending the Syria-Related Sanctions Regulations, renaming them the Promoting Accountability for Assad and Regional Stabilization Sanctions Regulations. This amendment implements Executive Orders issued on January 15, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
Background
The original Syria-Related Sanctions Regulations were issued on June 5, 2020, to implement Executive Order 13894, which addressed threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy posed by the situation in Syria. Recent Executive Orders 14142 and 14312 have been issued to adapt to changing circumstances in Syria, including the removal of sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions against those involved in war crimes, human rights abuses, and narcotics trafficking.
Summary
The amendment integrates new executive orders and statutory authorities into the regulations, expanding their scope to address ongoing threats and maintain sanctions against specific individuals and entities. OFAC has also updated the program tags for the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List and plans to provide a more comprehensive set of regulations in the future.