President Donald Trump announced on July 8, 2026, that the U.S. will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation the country has held since 1979. The decision follows a meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, where Trump praised al-Sharaa's leadership and Syria's stability under his rule.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Trump notified Congress of the decision, which will take effect after a 45-day pre-notification period. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the move a "historic step," citing Syria's improved stability and potential for economic recovery. The administration has already lifted some sanctions and repealed others imposed on the former Assad regime.
Deeper Dive and Context
Background on Syria's Designation
Syria has been on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list since 1979, the longest of any nation. The designation has historically hindered Syria's economic and diplomatic relations with the U.S. and other nations.
Al-Sharaa's Rise to Power
Ahmed al-Sharaa, who once led an al-Qaeda affiliate and was imprisoned by U.S. forces, overthrew Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. His government has since sought to normalize relations with the U.S. and European nations, distancing itself from Assad's former allies, Russia and Iran.
Political and Diplomatic Reactions
Several U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), urged the administration to remove Syria's designation, arguing it no longer applied after Assad's fall. They claimed the designation would hinder Syria's economic recovery and counterterrorism cooperation with the U.S.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The State Department stated that lifting sanctions would unlock international trade and investment, allowing Syria to rebuild. Trump suggested Syria could help counter Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese terrorist group, signaling potential cooperation in regional security.
Ongoing Sanctions and Oversight
While some sanctions have been lifted, Congress included requirements for periodic reports on counter-terrorism and human rights progress under al-Sharaa's government. The Treasury Department removed Syria from its list of "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" in November 2025, concurrent with the U.N.'s removal of Syria from its sanctions list.