Trump to Remove Syria From US Terrorism Sponsor List [View all]

Source: US News & World Report/Reuters

July 8, 2026, at 10:36 a.m.


ANKARA/WASHINGTON, ⁠July 8 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump ⁠on Wednesday informed his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that he ​had decided to remove the country from the U.S. list of designated state sponsors ‌of terrorism.

"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 in a letter to ​Sharaa seen by Reuters.

"We have U.S. companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before," he added in the letter that ​a senior U.S. administration official said was handed to Sharaa after their ⁠meeting in ⁠Ankara on Wednesday. Trump said ⁠he had ​notified Congress, which will now conduct a 45-day review before the decision can ​take effect.

The designation as ⁠a state sponsor of terrorism carries restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports and certain financial transactions.

Read more: https://www.usnews.com/news/top-news/articles/2026-07-08/trump-says-he-thinks-he-will-remove-syria-from-us-terrorism-sponsor-list