WASHINGTON — The United States has moved to remove Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, with President Donald Trump formally notifying Congress of his decision, triggering a mandatory 45-day congressional review before the change can take effect.
The notification marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Syria after Washington said the country's new leadership had taken steps that justified reconsidering a designation that had imposed broad restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports and certain financial transactions.
A senior U.S. administration official said Trump informed Congress of the decision after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Ankara. According to the official, Trump also sent a letter to Sharaa saying the United States intended to remove barriers that had hindered Syria's reconstruction and would encourage American investment once the process is completed.
Under U.S. law, Congress must review the proposed rescission for 45 days before the removal becomes effective.
The State Sponsor of Terrorism designation carries legal restrictions affecting foreign aid, defense-related exports and sales, and a range of financial and commercial transactions. Syria has remained on the list for decades over U.S. findings that previous governments repeatedly supported acts of international terrorism.
The latest move follows broader changes in U.S. policy toward Damascus. The Trump administration previously dismantled most U.S. sanctions targeting Syria and ended a sanctions program aimed at reintegrating the country into the international financial system, while maintaining sanctions against former President Bashar al-Assad, his associates and individuals Washington accuses of human rights abuses or destabilizing activities.
Syria's Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan welcomed the decision, saying it would expand opportunities for investment, support economic recovery and facilitate Syria's reintegration into the global economy, according to remarks published by the bank.
The administration has argued that the policy change reflects developments under Sharaa, who led a coalition that toppled Assad in late 2024 and has since sought closer engagement with Western and regional governments. U.S. officials have also cited continued Syrian cooperation against Islamic State militants as part of the evolving relationship.
Trump publicly praised Sharaa during the Ankara meeting, describing him as a respected leader and highlighting his efforts against Islamic State. Sharaa previously led Syria's Nusra Front before breaking ties with al Qaeda in 2016, a background that has drawn continued scrutiny even as his government has pursued broader diplomatic engagement.
Unless Congress blocks the action during the statutory review period, the rescission will become final after the 45-day process concludes.
