Trump Notifies Congress of Intent to Remove Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List, Starting 45-Day Review

President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 8 of his intent to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Trump made the announcement after meeting Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara, Turkey.

The notification starts a 45-day congressional review period before the change can take effect, France 24 and Reuters reported. Syria was first placed on the list in 1979. " Rubio stated that lifting sanctions will unlock international trade and investment.

Trump had signed an executive order in June 2025 terminating a U.S. sanctions program on Syria. -backed resolution to lift sanctions against al-Sharaa, and the State Department removed him from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list.

Congress repealed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in December 2025. " Several Saudi firms are planning billion-dollar investments in Syria, and other Gulf states have pledged financial assistance. Energy companies including Chevron and ConocoPhillips have entered agreements with Syria's state-owned oil company.

In June 2026 Nokia received a U.S. license to sell $30,000 of telecom equipment to Syria's parliament.