The United States is considering removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after President Donald Trump indicated that his administration intends to review the designation as relations with Damascus continue to improve.
Speaking during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Turkey on Wednesday, Trump signaled that he was inclined to make the change but stopped short of announcing a final decision.
“I think I will,” Trump said when asked whether he planned to remove Syria from the list.
Syria remains designated by Washington as a state sponsor of terrorism, a status that carries restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defence cooperation and certain financial transactions.
Although American officials have confirmed that the designation is under review, no formal action has yet been taken.
The latest remarks come weeks after Trump signed an executive order ending a long-standing U.S. sanctions programme on Syria, a move aimed at helping the country reconnect with the international financial system and support its recovery following years of civil war.
The easing of restrictions has also encouraged renewed regional support, with Saudi companies planning investments worth billions of dollars while other Gulf nations have pledged financial assistance to aid Syria’s reconstruction.
Washington has also dismantled much of its sanctions framework by repealing the Caesar Act, which imposed sweeping penalties on individuals and institutions linked to former President Bashar al-Assad.
However, U.S. authorities have maintained that sanctions targeting Assad, his associates, alleged human rights abusers and other individuals accused of destabilising the region will remain in place.
During the meeting, Trump also praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who formerly led Al Qaeda’s Nusra Front before cutting ties with the group in 2016 and later headed the coalition that overthrew Assad in late 2024.
“He’s respected by everybody, including me,” Trump said, while also acknowledging Sharaa’s role in operations against the Islamic State militant group.
If Washington eventually removes Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, it would mark a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and could strengthen international efforts to rebuild the war-torn country.
For now, however, Syria remains on the list as the review process continues.
