Trump begins process to remove Syria from U.S. terrorism list, opening door to rebuilding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump has informed Congress that his administration intends to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, a major foreign-policy shift that could clear the way for expanded trade, investment and rebuilding in the war-battered country.

The State Department announced July 8, 2026, that Trump had started the rescission process following a 45-day pre-notification period to Congress. The administration framed the move as part of a broader effort to give Syria and its people a chance to rebuild after years of war, terrorism, sanctions and isolation.

State Department officials said lifting the designation would help unlock international trade and investment, support Syria’s reconstruction and open a new chapter in relations between the United States and Syria.

“A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world,” the State Department said.

Syria has long been listed by the United States as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, a designation that carries heavy restrictions, including limits on foreign assistance, defense exports, certain financial transactions and other forms of normal economic engagement. Removing the designation would not erase all U.S. concerns about Syria overnight, but it would represent one of the most significant steps toward restoring relations between Washington and Damascus in decades.

The Trump administration said the move follows Trump’s June 30, 2025, executive order directing sanctions relief for Syria, as well as what U.S. officials described as positive changes and counterterrorism actions taken by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The State Department said al-Sharaa has provided formal assurances that Syria will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.

The decision comes as Trump seeks to reshape U.S. policy in the Middle East after years of war, instability and shifting alliances. Syria’s civil war, the rise of ISIS, foreign military interventions and the former Assad government’s brutality left the country devastated and deeply isolated from the West.

Supporters of the move argue that Syria cannot be rebuilt while locked out of global commerce and investment. They say economic recovery and diplomatic engagement may help stabilize the country, reduce extremism and give ordinary Syrians a better future.

Critics are likely to question whether Syria’s new leadership has done enough to justify such a major change and whether Washington can trust assurances from Damascus. The State Sponsor of Terrorism label is one of the most serious diplomatic tools used by the United States, and removing a country from the list typically draws close scrutiny from Congress.

Reuters reported that Trump’s decision now triggers a 45-day congressional review before the removal can become final. The State Department described the announcement as a milestone in the revived U.S.-Syria relationship.

“We commend the government of Syria for charting a new course and look forward to enhancing our partnership with Syria and its people,” the department said.

No immediate public statements from Iowa’s federal delegation were found regarding the Syria terrorism designation move. Iowa Republicans in Congress have generally backed Trump’s recent foreign-policy posture, including his hard line against Iran and terrorism threats, but specific Iowa reaction to the Syria announcement was not immediately available.

The rescission process marks a potentially historic opening for Syria, a country still trying to recover from years of bloodshed, destruction and international isolation. For the Trump administration, the move is being presented as both a humanitarian opening and a strategic bet that a rebuilt, unified and cooperative Syria will be better for the Middle East and the world.