politics
Trump Notifies Congress of Plan to Remove Syria From Terrorism Sponsors List, Subject to 45-Day Review
President Donald Trump on July 8 notified Congress of his decision to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. The change would take effect after a 45-day review period unless Congress blocks it.
Jul 8, 1:52 PM·1m read16 sources
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President Donald Trump on July 8 notified Congress of his intent to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Trump informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the decision during a meeting on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
The removal would become official in 45 days unless Congress blocks the decision, according to reports from France 24 and Al Jazeera. Syria was first placed on the list in 1979. Trump said the move would help rebuild the war-ravaged country.
Explosions occurred in Damascus on Tuesday during a visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump signed an executive order in June 2025 terminating a U.S. sanctions program on Syria. Congress repealed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in December 2025.
In June 2026, Nokia received a U.S. license to sell $30,000 of telecom equipment to Syria's parliament. Energy companies including Chevron and ConocoPhillips have entered agreements with Syria's state-owned oil company.
