Trump Administration Plans To Delist Syria As Terror Sponsor, Boosting Ties With Al-Sharaa

The United States on Wednesday announced that it will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a major shift in American foreign policy and signalling growing support for Syria's new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The move is expected to ease long-standing restrictions that have hampered foreign investment and economic engagement with the war-torn country for decades. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress of the administration's decision, beginning a 45-day review period required under US law. Unless lawmakers intervene—a scenario widely viewed as unlikely—the designation will officially be lifted once the review period concludes.

Syria has remained on the US terrorism blacklist for decades, a status that imposed sweeping sanctions and discouraged international businesses, financial institutions and investors from operating in the country. The announcement came as US President Donald Trump met Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Türkiye, underscoring Washington's growing engagement with Syria's new leadership. Sharaa, a former jihadist commander, emerged as the country's leader following the overthrow of the Assad family in 2024, ending more than 50 years of dynastic rule. Since assuming office, he has sought to reposition himself as a national leader focused on rebuilding Syria, restoring stability and improving relations with regional and international partners.

Describing the decision as a significant milestone, Rubio said the move reflected the administration's confidence in Syria's political transition. "This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," he said in a statement. Rubio added that removing the terrorism designation would help unlock international trade, encourage foreign investment and provide Syria with an opportunity to rebuild its economy after years of conflict and isolation. He said the decision would "open up a new chapter for the Syrian people."

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The delisting represents one of the most consequential changes in US policy towards Syria in recent years. Being designated a state sponsor of terrorism carries severe legal and economic consequences, including restrictions on foreign assistance, defence exports, financial transactions and investment. Removing the designation is expected to make it easier for international organisations, private companies and foreign governments to engage economically with Syria, although other sanctions and regulatory measures may still remain in place.

The policy shift comes despite reservations from some US allies, particularly Israel, which has expressed concern over Washington's outreach to Sharaa. Israel has carried out repeated airstrikes in Syria over the years, citing security threats from militant groups and Iranian-backed forces operating in the country. The Trump administration's decision to deepen engagement with Syria's new leadership is therefore likely to be closely watched across the region, as governments assess its implications for regional security, diplomacy and reconstruction efforts. If the delisting takes effect as expected, it could pave the way for increased international cooperation and investment aimed at supporting Syria's recovery after years of devastating conflict.

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