Damascus Welcomes U.S. Move to Begin Removing Syria from State Sponsor of Terrorism List

ARK News.. Syria has welcomed the United States' announcement that it has begun the legal process to remove Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, describing the move as an important development in the course of Syrian-American relations.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision followed talks held yesterday between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the NATO Summit hosted by Turkey, as well as President Trump's notification to Congress of his intention to take this step.

The ministry said that lifting the designation, alongside ending sanctions, would strengthen prospects for economic recovery, create a suitable environment for reconstruction, and attract investment, serving the interests of the Syrian people while supporting regional security and stability.

It added that President Ahmad al-Sharaa had received a message from President Trump confirming that he had informed Congress of his decision to begin the process of removing Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. Under U.S. law, Congress will conduct a 45-day review before the decision can be finalized and take effect.

President Donald Trump announced yesterday from Ankara that he intends to remove Syria from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, saying the decision reflects what he described as the country's "positive transformation." He also stated that Syria could play a role in addressing and confronting Hezbollah.

If the legal procedures are completed, Syria's removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list could pave the way for easing economic and financial restrictions, boosting investment and trade opportunities, facilitating access to international financing, reducing restrictions on banking transactions, and further reintegrating Syria into the international community.

The United States designated Syria as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1979, citing allegations that Damascus supported organizations Washington considers terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and several Palestinian factions, as well as its close ties with Iran.

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