Trump Removes Syria From Terror List, Promises Economic Revival in Letter to Assad

The U.S. administration has officially initiated the process to remove Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, President Donald Trump announced to Congress and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. This development follows a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Ankara. In a letter sent to al-Sharaa, Trump pledged to lift all barriers preventing Syria from rebuilding and highlighted American companies ready to invest in the country to help make it prosperous.

This move follows a June 2025 executive order easing sanctions on Damascus and Syrian government counterterrorism efforts under al-Sharaa, who has assured that Syria will no longer support terrorist activities. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the decision historic, emphasizing it opens the door for international trade and investment, enabling Syria to rebuild and marking a new chapter for the Syrian people.

Removing Syria from the terror list lifts restrictions on U.S. foreign aid, arms exports, and certain financial transactions, paving the way for Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system. Saudi companies are planning multi-billion-dollar investments as part of Riyadh’s support for Damascus’ reconstruction, with other Gulf states also committing financial aid.

The decision comes amid ongoing tensions along the Syria-Israel border, where Israeli Defense Forces remain active. French President Emmanuel Macron visited Damascus on Monday, becoming the first major Western leader to do so since the Syrian civil war began in 2011 and since al-Sharaa’s rise to power in late 2024. Macron’s visit is seen as a milestone in al-Sharaa’s efforts to restore Syria’s international standing, despite lingering Western skepticism.

A day after Macron’s visit, two explosions occurred near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus where he had stayed. Syrian security sources reported 18 injuries, including four police officers, but confirmed Macron’s convoy had left the area 15 minutes before the blasts, which involved a car bomb and an explosive device in a trash bin.