US lifts final restrictions on arms sales and military funding to Syria

The United States has lifted its last two remaining restrictions on arms sales and military funding to Syria under the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991. The move took effect upon its publication in the US Federal Register on September 16, 2026, according to document number FR Doc. 2026-18918.

The decision ends the ban on sales to Syria of defense articles, defense services, and design and construction services, as well as restrictions on export licenses for items listed on the US Munitions List. It also lifts restrictions on foreign military financing for Syria under the Arms Export Control Act.

On June 30, 2025, the US president exempted Syria from sanctions stipulated in the same law, while maintaining restrictions on arms sales and military funding at that time. On August 20, 2026, the US Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security decided to remove the remaining two restrictions, citing US national security interests.

The lifting of these restrictions does not mean the United States has entered into an arms deal with Syria or provided new military funding to Damascus, nor does it remove all US restrictions on the export of defense equipment to Syria. Other measures and controls related to US defense trade and export regulations remain in place. Previous US actions have clarified that easing economic sanctions does not eliminate other restrictions or procedures that continue to apply under various laws and measures.