Report: U.S. to Remove Syria from Terror Sponsor List

According to the Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed, the U.S. administration is actively discussing the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. A source familiar with the matter in Washington told the paper that practical steps are expected soon, marking a significant move in the process of fully lifting sanctions on Syria.

The United States initially designated Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979. The list currently includes Iran (since 1984), North Korea (since 2017), and Cuba. The decision to potentially delist Syria aligns with a broader American effort to normalize relations with Damascus and promote economic recovery after over a decade of conflict.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Treasury Department began easing sanctions first imposed in 2011, during the outbreak of Syria’s civil war under President Bashar al-Assad. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant emphasized that the policy shift is intended to “encourage new investment in Syria,” stating, “Syria must continue to work to become a stable country. Today’s decision will set the country on a path to a bright, prosperous, and stable future.”

The sanctions rollback includes high-profile individuals and institutions: Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has served a prison sentence for his involvement in jihadist terrorism, Interior Minister Anas al-Khattab, the Central Bank of Syria, all private banks, Syrian Airlines, state oil and gas companies, the ports of Latakia and Tartus, and the Syrian State Broadcasting Authority.

During a recent visit to the Middle East, President Donald Trump publicly confirmed the shift in policy. “I have taken the first steps to normalize relations with Syria after more than a decade,” he declared. “The sanctions on Syria were necessary, but today is their time to shine,” he added, signaling a new diplomatic chapter.

The move comes amid growing momentum for regional reconciliation, as well as behind-the-scenes meetings between Israel and Syria. While many of these efforts remain unofficial, reports indicate that direct communication is increasing between historical adversaries.