Syria agrees to drastically cut Russian oil imports in US sanctions relief negotiations

Syria has agreed to drastically reduce its Russian oil imports, which rose 75% this year to 60,000 barrels per day, as part of talks with the U.S. to lift its 1979 State Sponsor of Terrorism designation. While Washington has not made the cut an explicit precondition, officials noted it would expedite sanctions relief. To prevent fuel shortages, Damascus is diversifying its energy mix, having signed recent gas and exploration deals with ConocoPhillips, Novaterra, and TotalEnergies.

Syria oil import reduction pledge

• ▪Syria has agreed to drastically reduce its imports of Russian crude oil as part of ongoing discussions with the United States.
• ▪The United States did not explicitly frame the reduction of Russian oil imports as a formal precondition for lifting Syria's terrorism designation.

US sanctions relief negotiations

• ▪President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 8, 2026, of his intent to remove Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, initiating a 45-day notification period.
• ▪United States officials told their Syrian counterparts that ending purchases of Russian oil would improve the chances of lifting the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation quickly and without complications.

Russian economic influence in Syria

• ▪Russian oil deliveries to Syria rose approximately 75% in 2026 to about 60,000 barrels per day, making Moscow Syria's dominant crude supplier.
• ▪The United States Congress has directed the Pentagon to assess options to curb Moscow's military influence and support the withdrawal of Russian forces from the Tartous naval base and Hmeimim airbase.

Syria energy supply alternatives

• ▪Syrian officials discussed an offshore exploration contract with French energy major TotalEnergies in July 2026.
• ▪Syria signed a gas deal with ConocoPhillips and Novaterra in June 2026 to revive gas production.

State sponsor of terrorism designation

• ▪The State Sponsor of Terrorism designation, in place since 1979, is the last major sanctions label remaining on Syria after the ouster of Bashar al-Assad.
• ▪Syria is one of only four countries on the United States State Sponsor of Terrorism list, alongside Cuba, Iran, and North Korea.