United States to Remove Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List Unless Congress Blocks It

The United States will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress of the decision on July 8, 2026. The change takes effect in 45 days unless lawmakers block it.

The announcement came the same day President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Rubio said the step followed formal assurances from al-Sharaa that Syria will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.

"This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," Rubio stated.

He added that lifting sanctions will unlock international trade and investment and give Syria a chance to rebuild. Trump described al-Sharaa’s efforts positively during the meeting. "He's doing an unbelievable job in unifying Syria.

What a job he's doing," Trump said. He also noted that Syria had been a mess under the previous government. The Assad family ruled Syria for a half century until its toppling in 2024. After the delisting, the remaining countries on the U.S.

List are Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. Rubio said a stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits the region and the world. A photograph shows Trump shaking hands with al-Sharaa during the bilateral meeting at the Bestepe Presidential Compound in Ankara.