US seeks to remove Syria from list of state sponsors of terrorism

Earlier, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump had responded to a reporter's question about whether he planned this move: "I think I will, yes." Regarding Syrian transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Trump said: "He has done a tremendous job. He is respected by everybody, including me." The meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa took place on Wednesday.

Trump explicitly praises al-Sharaa

Trump had previously announced in a written statement: "I promised to clear every hurdle standing in the way of your nation's reconstruction, and very soon you will finally be able to do so." The wording referred to al-Sharaa and the Syrian transitional government.

The US State Department saw "the possibility for reconstruction" in the measure. A removal from the list is expected to make it easier for international companies and banks to do business in Syria, among other things. The lifting could also pave the way for more extensive international investments.

Background: The change of power in Syria

The background to the move is the political upheaval in Syria at the end of 2024. At that time, a coalition of Islamist rebels led by the HTS militia brought about the fall of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed al-Sharaa, who until 2016 was commander of the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Nusra Front in Syria, has since headed a transitional government in Damascus.

Since the change of power, the United States has also gradually opened up toward Syria. The government had previously lifted comprehensive sanctions against the country. In November 2025, al-Sharaa traveled to Washington to lobby for financial support for his government and for the lifting of sanctions during his visit.

Trump had also recently suggested that Syria should deal militarily "with Hezbollah." The Shia Hezbollah militia operates primarily in neighboring Lebanon. In June, al-Sharaa had stated that Damascus sought "economic relations" with Lebanon, "not military ones."

Previous sanctions already eased

However, Syria's formal designation as a state sponsor of terrorism remains in place despite the procedure now initiated. Only after the 45-day review period by Congress has expired and without objection from Capitol Hill would the removal actually be carried out after decades.

The US government had previously stated that it was reviewing Syria's status on the list. The notification of Congress by Rubio now is the first formal step toward an actual removal. Observers interpret the procedure as a signal to allies and to the Syrian transitional government.

With the measure, the Trump administration is explicitly linking the expectation of greater economic and political opening in Syria. The State Department justified the move with the prospect of comprehensive reconstruction of the country after years of civil war and international isolation.

Domestic debate and regional implications

Domestically, however, the plan is not uncontroversial. Critics point to the Islamist past of the HTS militia and to reports about al-Sharaa's role in the years before Assad's fall. Supporters argue that a removal could facilitate economic recovery and promote Syria's stabilization.

Regionally, the move is likely to have implications for Syria's relations with its neighbors. Turkey, host of the NATO summit in Ankara, had previously pushed for a political reorganization of Syria that included the transitional government. Several Arab states had also intensified contacts with Damascus in recent months.

For the Syrian population, a removal from the terrorism list would be tied to tangible relief. International aid payments, reconstruction loans, and private investments could flow more easily, as banks and companies face particular sanctions risks when doing business with countries on the terrorism list.

Outlook for the coming weeks

The next 45 days are considered the crucial phase. If Congress raises no objections, the formal removal of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism after decades would be sealed – a step that the US State Department is already describing as historic.

Trump also understood the move as part of his foreign policy of removing obstacles for allies. With the procedure now initiated, this announcement is being given a concrete administrative process and a clearly defined deadline. The coming weeks will show whether Congress supports the government's plans.