U.S., UAE Offer Assad Sanctions Relief for Cutting Iran Ties, Hezbollah Arms

Dec 2, 2024, 01:50 PM

The United States and the United Arab Emirates have engaged in discussions about potentially lifting sanctions on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, contingent upon him severing ties with Iran and halting weapons supplies to Hezbollah, according to sources familiar with the matter. These talks have been reported to Reuters and involve leveraging the upcoming December 20 expiration of the Caesar Act sanctions to encourage Assad to distance himself from Iran. The discussions aim to curb Iran's influence in Syria and offer economic incentives, including reconstruction funds, in exchange for Assad's compliance.