Syria has banned the import of goods from Russia, Iran and Israel

Syrian Interim Government officially announced on a ban on the import of goods from Russia, Iran and Israel.

This is an important part of the new authorities' economic program aimed at restoring the war-torn economy.

This move was not just an economic decision, but also a clear demonstration of how the new Syrian authorities are abandoning former allies and geopolitical obligations.

This has been especially painful for Russia, which has supported Bashar al-Assad's regime for decades, pouring billions of dollars and providing military support.

The ban on imports of goods from Russia was an outright blow to the Kremlin’s ambitions. Moscow has lost one of its few allies in the region, which is now clearly reorienting to the West.

The Kremlin, which was so proud of its support for Damascus, is now forced to watch as its former allies refuse Russian aid and close their doors to Russian goods.

Economic program: course towards independence

Ban on imports from Russia and Iran

Russia and Iran have long been key allies of Syria, helping the Assad regime maintain power. However, with his fall, the new government hastened to sever ties with former “partners”, who brought more destruction to the country than good.

The decision to ban goods from these countries underscores the desire for a complete overhaul of foreign economic policy and a desire to distance itself from former patrons.

Symbolism of the ban on Israeli goods

As for the ban on goods from Israel, this is rather a symbolic gesture. Experts emphasize that the ban on imports from Israel is rather symbolic, given the minimal volume of trade between the countries due to political hostility. The decision by the Syrian authorities to ban goods from Israel underscores their desire to distance themselves from previous geopolitical ties and demonstrate independence.

New Economic Deal

Dollar resolution

For the first time in many years, Syria allowed the use of the dollar as a currency of account. This measure is aimed at stabilizing the economy and attracting foreign investors.

Reduced duties

A reduction in customs duties by 50-60% opened the way for goods from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the West. This made it possible to saturate the country’s market and make life easier for ordinary Syrians.

Table: consequences for countries subject to ban

Syria introduces travel bans on Israelis and Iranians: a new course for independence

According to the latest instructions from the Syrian interim government, citizens of Israel and Iran will no longer be able to enter the country. This decision applies to both individual travel and transportation through airlines operating in Syria.

New rules for airlines

According to a source from Damascus airport to Agence France-Presse, all airlines serving the Syrian Arab Republic are strictly ordered not to transport citizens of Israel and Iran. These rules became part of new measures aimed at revising the country's foreign policy relations.

Interestingly, the Turkish airline Turkish Airlines announced the resumption of flights to Damascus from January 23, 2025, after a break of more than ten years. A statement published on the company's official website noted that the decision was agreed upon with the new Syrian authorities.

“Residents of all countries except Israel can enter Syria,” the message said. However, entry for Iranian citizens is only possible with prior permission, highlighting the seriousness of the measures taken by the Syrian government.

Implications for Israel and Iran

Entry ban on Israelis is rather symbolic in nature. There are no formal diplomatic relations between the countries, and Israeli travel to Syria has always been rare. However, this decision demonstrates the desire of the Syrian interim government to distance itself from any hints of interaction with Israel.

As for Iran, the situation is more complex. Despite years of close cooperation with the Assad regime, the new Syrian leadership is decisively abandoning its former allies, which could deal a serious blow to Tehran’s economic and geopolitical plans.

What's next?

Syria has made it clear that a new era begins without Russia and its “partners.”

Now the Kremlin faces the question: what to do when even such “strategic allies” as Syria turn away in search of new partners?

NAnews – Israel News continues to monitor this situation, because Middle East issues remain key for Israel and its neighbors.

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