US Removes Syria From Terror-Supporting States List, Signaling Policy Shift

The US Department of State has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, as announced by the US Treasury on Monday evening. This decision follows a congressional review earlier this year and marks a significant shift in Washington's longstanding policy toward Damascus, which had been designated for decades due to Syria's support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and its ties with Iran.

The removal of Syria from the list could pave the way for improved diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries, potentially easing sanctions that have severely restricted Syria's international trade and aid access. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shayebani recently expressed Damascus's interest in a diplomatic arrangement with Israel, although he accused Israel of evading previously reached agreements.

This policy change comes amid broader regional developments, including ongoing US sanctions intensification against Iran and Israeli military actions within Syrian territory. Reports indicate that Mossad chief Ronen Gophman met with the Syrian foreign minister to reduce tensions, though significant differences remain. The US move reflects the Trump administration's effort to reshape the Middle East geopolitical landscape by focusing on Iran as the primary threat and exploring new diplomatic avenues with other regional actors.