Syria in 2026: How are the UK and others engaging?
Assad had been militarily reliant on Russia and Iran. Since his fall, the UK has been among those to engage with the interim government and lift many sanctions.
Overview
In December 2024 Bashar al-Assad resigned the Syrian presidency, 13 years since the first protests began in 2011 against his rule. This ended over 50 years of rule by the Assad family in Syria, who had taken power in 1971 under Bashar’s father, Hafez al-Assad.
Since Assad’s resignation, an interim government has been declared in Syria, led by the leader of the former Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The HTS group was one of the major forces that participated in the capture of the Syrian capital, Damascus, in December.
The interim government also published a transitional constitution and a new Syrian parliament assembled for the first time in June 2026.
This research collection describes the situation in Syria 18 months after Assad fled. It covers the key actors in Syria and tensions between them; sectarian violence and human rights concerns; the significance of Assad’s fall to his allies Iran and Russia; Israeli actions in the Golan Heights; actions by the interim government; and the UK, European and US responses.
The UK response has included re-establishing diplomatic ties with Syria, the de-listing of HTS as a proscribed terrorist group, the removal of some sanctions to support reconstruction, and statements of concern for the position of ethnic and religious minorities in Syria.
Featured briefings
-
-
Syria after Assad: Consequences and interim authorities 2025
What has happened in Syria after the fall of Assad, who are the main actors, and how has the UK and others responded?
-
Syria in 2026: Minority religious and ethnic groups after Assad
Extensive violence targeted some religious minorities in 2025. Tensions continued in 2026. The UK has called for accountability and an inclusive transition.
-
Syria one year after Assad: Reconstruction and sanctions
Humanitarian need and population displacement in Syria remains high. Reconstruction is limited. Most sanctions have been removed.
-
Syria in 2026: Interim government and Kurdish integration
Following President Assad’s fall in 2024, an interim Syrian parliament and government are in place. In 2026, steps are underway to integrate Kurdish areas.