The President of the United States, Donald Trump, officially notified Congress of his decision to remove Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a designation that the country has held since 1979. The measure initiates a 45-day legislative review period, after which, if there are no legal objections, the exclusion could take effect and significantly alter the relationship between Washington and the new Syrian government.
The decision represents one of the most important changes in U.S. foreign policy toward Syria since the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime. According to administration officials, the measure responds to the new political scenario that emerged after the formation of the government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa and is part of a strategy aimed at facilitating the country's economic recovery and international reintegration.
The designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism imposed significant restrictions on Syria, including limitations on U.S. foreign aid, prohibitions on the export of defense materials, controls on dual-use products, and various financial restrictions. The eventual removal of that category would allow for the reduction of some of those obstacles and facilitate access to investments, financing, and international economic cooperation.
