The United States is preparing to ease restrictions on the provision of humanitarian aid and essential services, including electricity, to Syria, according to sources familiar with the decision. However, the Biden administration will uphold its strict sanctions regime, highlighting a strategic effort to balance relief efforts with maintaining leverage in the region.

The policy shift comes as a signal of goodwill towards Syria’s new leadership, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). HTS recently spearheaded a rebellion that ended over five decades of Assad family rule. The easing of restrictions aims to alleviate dire living conditions in Syria, a country devastated by years of civil war, while ensuring the U.S. retains influence over the unfolding political landscape.

This decision follows extensive meetings between U.S. officials and Syria’s new leaders, including HTS representatives. Once affiliated with Al-Qaeda, HTS has since renounced those ties and now governs following a decisive offensive that toppled the Assad regime on December 8.

Although HTS remains designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Washington has sought engagement on priorities like counterterrorism and the establishment of an inclusive government representing all Syrian factions. The administration’s approach seeks to address urgent humanitarian needs without compromising broader strategic objectives in the region.

Over the weekend, the Biden administration approved measures enabling the U.S. Treasury Department to issue waivers for aid organizations and companies to provide critical services such as water, electricity, and humanitarian supplies. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, this move marks a pivotal step in addressing Syria’s escalating humanitarian crisis while maintaining pressure on its leadership.