Key facts
- President Donald Trump has initiated the process to remove Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
- The US State Department stated that lifting sanctions will unlock trade and investment, aiding Syria's reconstruction.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio received assurances from Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that he will not support international terrorism.
- The move follows a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa in Ankara, where Trump praised the Syrian president.
- The designation change requires a 45-day congressional review period.
President Donald Trump has formally begun the process to remove Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, a designation that has been in place since 1979. The move, described as 'earth-shifting' by analysts, is expected to unlock international trade and investment, facilitating Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction following years of civil war. The decision follows a meeting between Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara, where Trump praised al-Sharaa as 'fantastic' and 'highly respected.' Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that assurances were received from al-Sharaa regarding future non-support of international terrorism. The process requires a 45-day congressional review period before it can be finalized. This action represents a significant shift in US policy towards Syria, with proponents arguing it serves US national security interests by promoting stability in the region.