US president to sign order lifting sanctions on Syria
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said that sanctions remain in place on associates of the former regime, human rights violators, drug traffickers, individuals associated with chemical weapons activities, and ISIS and its affiliates.
Leavitt added that the US President is committed to supporting a stable and unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbours, referring to Trump's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al Sharaa during his recent visit to the Middle East.
She continued by saying that this is another promise this president has made, and kept, to promote peace and stability in the region.
Last May, Trump announced that he would lift sanctions on Syria as part of measures to help the country rebuild.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Jazeera
an hour ago
- Al Jazeera
Paramount agrees to pay $16m to settle Trump lawsuit over CBS interview
United States media giant Paramount has agreed to pay $16m to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over the editing of a 2024 interview aired by CBS, its subsidiary. The payout announced on Wednesday will go towards Trump's planned presidential library, with Paramount stating the funds would not be given to him 'directly or indirectly'. The case stems from a broadcast of 60 Minutes featuring then-Vice President Kamala Harris, which Trump alleged had been deceptively edited to benefit the Democratic Party before the 2024 election. Trump initially sought $10bn in damages, later raising the claim to $20bn. While CBS had described the lawsuit as 'completely without merit' and sought its dismissal, the case proceeded to mediation in April. 'The settlement does not include a statement of apology or regret,' the company statement added. As part of the settlement, 60 Minutes will begin releasing interview transcripts with future presidential candidates following their broadcast, except where legal or national security concerns apply. Trump had alleged that the edited Harris interview – in which her comments on Israel's war on Gaza appeared inconsistent – violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, which makes it illegal to use false, misleading or deceptive acts in commerce. Legal analysts and press freedom groups have raised concerns over Trump's use of consumer protection laws against media outlets, warning it may be a tactic to sidestep constitutional protections afforded to journalists, who can only be held liable for defamation against public figures if they say something they knew or should have known was false. Neither the White House nor Trump's legal team has commented on the settlement. The settlement follows a decision by Disney-owned ABC News in December to settle a defamation suit with a $15m donation to Trump's library and issue a public apology over inaccurate on-air comments. In January, Meta – parent company of Facebook and Instagram – agreed to pay $25m to resolve a lawsuit over the suspension of Trump's accounts following the January 6 Capitol riot.
Al Jazeera
3 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
US halts some weapons shipments to Ukraine
The United States says it is halting some weapons deliveries to Kyiv that were promised under the Biden administration, as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine. The Biden-era pledges, which included various munitions to bolster Ukraine's defences, are now under review as the Pentagon reassesses current inventory levels. The move could signal a shift in priorities under President Donald Trump, who has pressed for a more restrained global military posture. 'This decision was made to put America's interests first following a review of our nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe,' said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement on Tuesday. The internal assessment by the Pentagon found some stockpiles 'too low' to justify immediate transfer to Ukraine, said a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity, according to Politico, which first reported the halt of military aid. 'America's military has never been more ready and more capable,' said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, noting a major tax and defence spending bill in Congress would help modernise systems for long-term deterrence. Politico and other US media reported that missiles for Patriot air defence systems, precision artillery and Hellfire missiles are among the items being held back. Russia intensifies assault The delay comes at a precarious moment for Ukraine, as Russia intensifies its aerial bombardment in one of the heaviest phases of the war. Hopes for a ceasefire – long championed by Trump – have faded further, with talks between Kyiv and Moscow stalled. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the US has provided more than $66bn in weapons and security assistance to Ukraine. Throughout the war, Washington has also urged its allies to supply air defence systems, particularly Patriot missile batteries. However, many NATO members remain reluctant to give up the systems, particularly countries in Eastern Europe that are wary of Russia. Trump, who met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during last week's NATO summit, acknowledged Ukraine's request for more Patriots. 'They do want to have the antimissile missiles, OK, as they call them – the Patriots,' Trump said. 'We're going to see if we can make some available. We need them, too. We're supplying them to Israel, and they're very effective. Hard to believe how effective.' Elbridge Colby, undersecretary for policy at the US Department of Defense, said the administration was exploring ways to balance continued support for Ukraine with readiness at home. 'The department is rigorously examining and adapting its approach,' Colby said, 'while preserving US forces' readiness for current defence priorities.'
Al Jazeera
3 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
Trump says Israel agrees terms for ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept
Trump says Israel agrees terms for ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept NewsFeed President Donald Trump says Israel has accepted a 60-day Gaza ceasefire deal, but he gave no details of the plan. Hamas has previously said it wants full Israeli troop withdrawal and security guarantees. Trump is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week. Video Duration 02 minutes 27 seconds 02:27 Video Duration 00 minutes 26 seconds 00:26 Video Duration 01 minutes 40 seconds 01:40 Video Duration 00 minutes 48 seconds 00:48 Video Duration 00 minutes 55 seconds 00:55 Video Duration 00 minutes 27 seconds 00:27 Video Duration 00 minutes 51 seconds 00:51
