US to remove Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list in major policy shift

The United States has announced that it will remove Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, in a major shift that could ease long-standing barriers to investment and trade. The move follows President Donald Trump's meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkiye. It comes as Washington signals support for Syria's reconstruction after years of war.

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The decision is expected to take effect in 45 days unless lawmakers intervene, which officials described as unlikely. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the step reflects "formal assurances" from al-Sharaa that Syria will not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Rubio also said lifting sanctions would help unlock international trade and investment and give Syria a chance to rebuild.

The designation has carried significant legal and financial consequences for decades, making it difficult for businesses to operate in Syria because of the risks involved under US law. Trump said al-Sharaa was doing an "unbelievable job" in unifying Syria, and described the country as having been "a mess" under the previous government. The announcement follows earlier sanctions relief that had a limited effect while Syria remained on the terrorism list.

The move is politically significant because it marks a further step in Washington's effort to normalise relations with Syria after the 2024 toppling of the al-Assad family, which had ruled for half a century. Al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader, has sought to present himself as a unifying figure and to secure economic support for reconstruction. The decision also reflects a broader US calculation that a stable and unified Syria could reduce regional instability.

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The announcement comes despite concerns from Israel, which has repeatedly carried out air strikes in Syria and remains wary of changes in the country's political direction. Trump had previously urged Syria to make peace with Israel, but the delisting decision was taken without any reported breakthrough on that issue. Syria's war also helped create conditions for the rise of the ISIL armed group and triggered a major refugee crisis, adding to the scale of the challenge facing the new authorities.

What remains unclear is how quickly the policy shift will translate into practical economic gains, and whether lawmakers will attempt to block the change before the 45-day period ends. It is also not yet clear how other governments and investors will respond, or whether the move will lead to wider diplomatic normalisation. For now, the decision signals a significant change in US policy toward Syria, but its impact will depend on implementation and on the country's next political steps.

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