Trump Announces U.S. Will Remove Syria From Terrorism Sanctions List

President Trump announced the U.S. will remove Syria from its state sponsor of terrorism list, a designation in place since 1979. The move, announced at a NATO summit with Syrian President al-Sharaa, aims to clear the way for private U.S. investment from energy and tech firms, bolster al-Sharaa's government, and counter Chinese influence. It follows a 2025 repeal of Caesar Act sanctions by Congress.

Syria terrorism designation removal

• ▪President Donald Trump announced on July 8, 2026, that the U.S. would remove Syria from the terrorism sanctions list
• ▪The announcement occurred during a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey
• ▪President Trump praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power in 2024, stating "he’s done a great job" with the country post-civil war
• ▪Syria was first designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979 after a previous regime sided with Palestinian militants

Economic investment barriers

• ▪The designation has repelled business deals that Syria needs to recover from its civil war
• ▪Removing the state sponsor of terrorism designation would clear the way for private-sector investment in Syria

Congressional sanctions repeal

• ▪The Trump administration had previously removed Syrian President al-Sharaa’s personal designation as a terrorist
• ▪The GOP-controlled Congress repealed the Caesar Act sanctions on Syria in 2025

U.S. corporate interests

• ▪The label also made it harder for tech companies to export products to Syria, fueling fears the country could turn to China
• ▪The terrorism designation created legal uncertainty for energy companies like Chevron and ConocoPhillips, which have agreements with Syria's state oil company
• ▪A Nokia deal to sell $30,000 of telecom equipment to Syria's parliament was delayed until the company received a U.S. license in June 2026

Geopolitical strategy

• ▪Removing the designation is expected to bolster the government of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa
• ▪The policy change is intended to help the U.S. grow its foothold in the Middle East as it seeks a long-term deal to end the Iran war