Trump Considers Removing Syria From Terror-Supporting States List for First Time Since 1979

Reports from Saudi media indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump may soon remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that has been in place since 1979. This potential change is expected to be discussed during a meeting between Trump and Syrian President Bashar al-Joulani on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara. A senior U.S. State Department official revealed that Trump ordered a review of Syria's status in June, but emphasized that several steps remain before the designation can be officially lifted.

Turkey, which is hosting this year's NATO summit, has called for the removal of Syria from the terrorism list, arguing that it would open the door for private sector investments in Syria and strengthen al-Joulani's government. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has supported al-Joulani's administration since it replaced the Assad regime in late November 2024. A White House official described Syria as stable, united, and at peace with its neighbors, portraying it as a key part of Trump's vision for a peaceful and prosperous Middle East.

However, Syria remains far from stable, with recent mysterious explosions in Damascus causing casualties and ongoing threats from ISIS, which is consolidating control in the northeast. If the U.S. removes Syria from the terror list, it would follow other Trump-era concessions, including lifting Caesar Act sanctions last year and removing key restrictions such as the designation of al-Joulani as a terrorist.

This move would also allow American companies to conduct business in Syria, which has been previously restricted. For example, Nokia recently faced delays in a $30,000 deal to sell communication equipment to the Syrian parliament. The potential policy shift signals a significant change in U.S. relations with Syria and could have broad economic and geopolitical implications.