Trump moves to remove Syria from US terrorism list

United States President Donald Trump has formally informed Congress of his administration’s decision to remove Syria from the United States list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a move that signals another major step toward rebuilding diplomatic relations with Damascus after decades of strained ties.

The notification, transmitted to Congress on Wednesday, activates a mandatory 45-day review period under US law. 

Unless lawmakers oppose the proposal within that timeframe, Syria will officially be delisted, ending a designation it has held since 1979.

The latest development follows a series of policy shifts introduced by the Trump administration over the past year. During a visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2025, Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria as part of efforts to support the country’s reconstruction after years of civil conflict and political instability.

That announcement was followed by an Executive Order signed on June 30, 2025, which revoked most US sanctions on Syria effective July 1, 2025. However, the order maintained targeted sanctions against former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, senior figures in his previous administration, individuals accused of human rights abuses, Captagon traffickers, persons linked to Syria’s former weapons programmes, as well as ISIS, al-Qaeda affiliates, Iran and its proxy groups.

The process of removing Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list is legally separate from the easing of sanctions. The designation has, for decades, imposed sweeping restrictions on US foreign assistance, defence exports, financial dealings and other forms of bilateral engagement with Syria.

According to the White House, the decision is intended to provide the Syrian people with greater opportunities to rebuild their country and revive the economy, while preserving sanctions against individuals and organisations accused of terrorism and other serious crimes.

If Congress does not challenge the proposal during the 45-day review period, Syria will cease to be classified by the United States as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for the first time in more than 46 years, marking one of the most significant changes in Washington’s policy toward Damascus in recent decades.