Trump moves to remove Syria from US terrorism sponsor list to normalise ties
Donald Trump has told Congress he wants to remove Syria from the US terrorism list. The move could ease sanctions, draw investment and deepen Washington's outreach to Damascus.
President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his administration's decision to rescind Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, marking a major step in Washington's efforts to normalise ties with Damascus and support the country's economic recovery.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress that the Trump administration plans to lift Syria's designation after a mandatory 45-day pre-notification period.
"Today, President Trump informed Congress of his administration's intent to rescind Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST), following a 45-day pre-notification period," Rubio said. "This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness."
Rubio said lifting sanctions would help revive Syria's economy and attract foreign investment.
"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 said. "A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world."
Trump informs Syrian president
Trump also informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the decision in a letter that news agency Reuters said it had seen.
"I promised to remove all barriers stopping you from rebuilding your country, and very soon, you will finally be able to do so," Trump wrote.
"We have US companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before," he added.
A senior US administration official said the letter was handed to Sharaa after the two leaders met in Ankara on Wednesday.
Trump said he had already notified Congress, which will now conduct a 45-day review before the decision can take effect.
Move could ease investment restrictions
Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism imposes restrictions on US foreign assistance, defence exports and certain financial transactions.
Syria Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan welcomed the move, saying it opens broader opportunities for investment, economic recovery and Syria's reintegration into the global economy, according to a post on Telegram.
Last year, Trump signed an executive order ending a US sanctions programme on Syria, allowing the country to emerge from isolation within the international financial system.
Several Saudi companies are planning billion-dollar investments as part of Riyadh's efforts to support Syria's recovery, while other Gulf states have also pledged financial assistance.
Trump praises Sharaa
Trump also praised Sharaa, who was a commander of al Qaeda's Nusra Front in Syria before severing ties with the group in 2016. Sharaa later led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
Trump has also encouraged Sharaa's actions against the Islamic State militant group in the region.
"He's respected by everybody, including me," Trump said.
President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his administration's decision to rescind Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, marking a major step in Washington's efforts to normalise ties with Damascus and support the country's economic recovery.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress that the Trump administration plans to lift Syria's designation after a mandatory 45-day pre-notification period.
"Today, President Trump informed Congress of his administration's intent to rescind Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST), following a 45-day pre-notification period," Rubio said. "This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness."
Rubio said lifting sanctions would help revive Syria's economy and attract foreign investment.
"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 said. "A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world."
Trump informs Syrian president
Trump also informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the decision in a letter that news agency Reuters said it had seen.
"I promised to remove all barriers stopping you from rebuilding your country, and very soon, you will finally be able to do so," Trump wrote.
"We have US companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before," he added.
A senior US administration official said the letter was handed to Sharaa after the two leaders met in Ankara on Wednesday.
Trump said he had already notified Congress, which will now conduct a 45-day review before the decision can take effect.
Move could ease investment restrictions
Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism imposes restrictions on US foreign assistance, defence exports and certain financial transactions.
Syria Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan welcomed the move, saying it opens broader opportunities for investment, economic recovery and Syria's reintegration into the global economy, according to a post on Telegram.
Last year, Trump signed an executive order ending a US sanctions programme on Syria, allowing the country to emerge from isolation within the international financial system.
Several Saudi companies are planning billion-dollar investments as part of Riyadh's efforts to support Syria's recovery, while other Gulf states have also pledged financial assistance.
Trump praises Sharaa
Trump also praised Sharaa, who was a commander of al Qaeda's Nusra Front in Syria before severing ties with the group in 2016. Sharaa later led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
Trump has also encouraged Sharaa's actions against the Islamic State militant group in the region.
"He's respected by everybody, including me," Trump said.
