US President Donald Trump has told Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that Washington is removing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, with Congress formally notified of the move.
The designation, which limits US foreign assistance, defence-related exports and certain financial dealings, will stay in force through a 45-day congressional review period before the rescission takes effect.
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The decision follows an executive order signed by Trump on 30 June 2025 that directed sanctions relief for Syria, along with counterterrorism measures taken by the al-Sharaa government and formal assurances from al-Sharaa that Syria would not back international terrorism going forward.
A senior US administration official said Trump communicated the decision via letter, handed to al-Sharaa following their meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara.
Reuters reported it had reviewed the letter.
In the letter, Trump wrote: “I promised to remove all barriers stopping you from rebuilding your country, and very soon, you will finally be able to do so. We have US companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before.”
Syria’s Central Bank Governor, Safwat Raslan, said in a Telegram post cited by Reuters that the move broadens investment opportunities, supports economic recovery and reinforces Syria’s reintegration into the global economy.
Separately, several Saudi companies are preparing billion-dollar investments as part of Riyadh’s backing for Syria’s reconstruction, with other Gulf states also pledging further financial support.
Al-Sharaa previously led al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front in Syria before cutting ties with the group in 2016.
He subsequently headed a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that removed Bashar al-Assad from power in late 2024.
Trump has expressed support for al-Sharaa’s operations against Islamic State in the region.
In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the revived US-Syria bilateral relationship and in Syria’s history as a nation. We commend the government of Syria for charting a new course and look forward to enhancing our partnership with Syria and its people.”
