The Wall Street Journal has learned that the US is threatening to reinstate sanctions against Syria over the Kurds.

The United States is warning Syria of a possible resumption of sanctions if Damascus intensifies its actions against the Kurdish militias of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), The Wall Street Journal reports, citing senior American officials.

US officials are concerned that the new Syrian offensive against the Kurds could escalate into a broader campaign against US-backed militias. This threatens to destabilize the situation in Syria and further divide two of the US's most important security partners in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS, designated a terrorist organization and banned in Russia).

US authorities have threatened to reimpose Caesar Act sanctions against the Syrian government if Damascus launches a more widespread offensive.

Earlier, the Syrian army launched an operation against Kurdish forces in the Deir Hafer area, Al Jazeera reported. The day before, the military announced upcoming strikes on Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) positions in Deir Hafer. The statement stated that the operation would target areas used by Kurdish forces for their attacks on Aleppo and its eastern outskirts.

The fighting began after prolonged clashes in Aleppo, caused by delays in implementing the agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into Syrian state structures.

These battles resulted in numerous casualties and a massive exodus of people. By Sunday, government forces had established full control of Aleppo. In response to the tensions, the Syrian authorities took steps toward reconciliation: the Kurdish language was officially recognized, Newroz (the Kurdish New Year, celebrated on March 21) was made a public holiday, and the civil rights of Kurds were affirmed.

In November 2025, the United States relaxed sanctions and export control measures imposed on Syria. The Caesar Act was also partially suspended for the country, with the exception of sanctioned transactions with Russia and Iran. The waivers were set to last for 180 days.

In 2019, Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions against third parties that "impede the achievement of a political solution to the Syrian conflict." In June 2020, the Caesar Act came into force, codifying and expanding existing restrictions against Damascus's allies.

The law allows for secondary sanctions against foreign citizens and companies for supporting the Assad regime. It prohibits "significant financial, material, or technological support" and participation in "significant transactions" with the Syrian government. It also restricts interactions with foreign citizens who are mercenaries or members of armed groups "operating on behalf of the government of Syria, the Russian Federation, or Iran." Specifically, sanctions may apply to foreigners who:

- provide Damascus with goods, services, technology, information or other support that contributes to the development of the oil and gas industry;
- provide aircraft or parts for them that will be used for military purposes in Syria in the interests of Damascus;
- provide Damascus with services in the field of defense, construction or engineering technologies.

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