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The United States has said it will delist Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism, ending a designation that has been in place since 1979 and paving the way for increased international investment and trade.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday notified Congress of the decision, which will take effect in 45 days unless lawmakers block the move.
The announcement comes as President Donald Trump meets Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit in Turkey, reaffirming Washington’s support for Syria’s new leadership following the 2024 overthrow of former president Bashar al-Assad.
In a statement, Rubio said the decision was another significant step by the Trump administration to support Syria’s recovery, adding that lifting sanctions would encourage international trade and investment, help rebuild the country and create new opportunities for its people.
“This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness,” Rubio said in a statement.
“Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people,” he added.
He also said the US believed that a stable and united Syria, at peace internally and with its neighbours, would contribute to regional and global stability.
Trump‘s decision comes despite concerns from Israel, which has continued carrying out airstrikes in Syria. Although the US president has urged Damascus to normalise relations with Israel, the delisting proceeded without a formal peace agreement.
Speaking after his meeting with Sharaa in Ankara, Trump praised the Syrian leader’s efforts to unify the country, describing his leadership as impressive after years of conflict under the Assad government.
“He’s doing an unbelievable job in unifying Syria. What a job he’s doing.”
“Syria was a mess with what happened with the previous government,” Trump said.
According to Rubio, the move followed formal assurances from Syria that it would not support acts of international terrorism in the future.
The terrorism designation had remained a major obstacle to foreign investment even after the US eased some sanctions, as American businesses faced legal risks when operating in Syria.
With Syria’s removal, only Iran, North Korea and Cuba will remain on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
Syria was first designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979. Under the Assad family, it was accused of supporting Palestinian militant groups and maintaining close ties with Hezbollah and Iran, factors that contributed to its continued inclusion on the blacklist.
