US Begins Process to Delist Syria from Terror Sponsor List

The United States has formally initiated the process to remove Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list, a major policy shift that would end a designation in place since 1979. President Donald Trump notified Congress of the decision on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, triggering a mandatory 45-day review period. If lawmakers do not block the move, Syria will be removed from the list, marking one of the most significant changes in U.S. policy toward Damascus in decades.

The action follows a series of steps taken by the Trump administration over the past year to restore ties with Syria. In May 2025, during a visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump announced the U.S. would lift sanctions to support Syria's recovery from civil war. An executive order signed on June 30, 2025, revoked most U.S. sanctions effective July 1, 2025, though targeted sanctions were retained against former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, and individuals linked to terrorist groups and past weapons programs.

The formal delisting process was announced as Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. U.S. officials cited...