In the wake of the latest meeting between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the US is moving to end a designation of Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
This is an important move that is part of a larger process the US has embarked on to end sanctions against Syria . It will help Syria gain more access to investment.
Many commentators are fascinated by the way Sharaa has gone from once fighting the US, and having a price on his head, to now working with the US president. Sharaa fought against the US in Iraq after 2003. After the Syrian rebellion began in 2011, he returned to Syria to fight the Assad regime.
Once linked to al-Qaeda, with an American reward hanging over him, he successfully broke with al-Qaeda and turned his rebel group in Syria into a fighting force. He came to power in December 2024 when the Assad regime fell.
Since coming to power, Sharaa has sought to bring Syria back into the international fold, ending its isolation. Key to this has been working with the White House. With help from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Syria has been able to open the door to the Trump administration.
Israel bombs Syria claiming to support Druze
Trump, who prizes personal relationships and seeks to be a judge of character, has embraced Sharaa, unlike the skepticism in Jerusalem. In Israel, some officials have threatened to target Sharaa. Israel bombed Damascus last year, claiming to be supporting the Druze in southern Syria.
The US has helped calm some tensions with Israel, but Israeli officials continue to consider Syria as a potential threat.
In Turkey, Trump embraced Sharaa again, and the US is now working to end the State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “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. This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness.
“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. A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world.
Trump directs sanctions relief for Syria
“The rescission follows President Trump’s June 30, 2025, Executive Order directing sanctions relief for Syria, the positive changes and counterterrorism actions taken by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and formal assurances provided by President al-Sharaa that Syria will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the revived U.S.-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.”
Kurdistan Region-based news channel Rudaw Media Network reported: “Sharaa received a signed letter from US President Donald Trump late Wednesday informing Congress of his decision to remove Syria from its decades-long designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.”