DAMASCUS, Syria, (AP) – Syria has criticized this week’s U.S. renewal of sanctions against Damascus, describing them as a disappointment.

Government-owned Al-Thawra newspaper warned on Wednesday that Washington’s move keeps the region in a state of hostility.

The White House said Damascus continues to support terrorists and pursues weapons of mass destruction.

Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faysal Mekdad slammed the sanctions and said they show Washington “has lost its credibility.”

The newspaper — considered a government mouthpiece — says the move is “disappointing … but we were not surprised.”

U.S.-Syrian ties were improving but tensions re-emerged after Israel accused Syria of sending weapons to Lebanese Hezbollah militants. Syria denies the allegations.