Key facts
- President Donald Trump has begun the process to remove Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
- The move could unlock export restrictions and allow for increased foreign aid to Syria.
- President Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- The White House invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to Washington D.C.
- The visit is scheduled for July 21, 2026.
- The visit aims to discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and U.S. support for Lebanon.
- President Trump flew an older Air Force One to the UK from Turkey.
- The decision to use an older aircraft occurred amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.
- Security questions were raised about a newly retrofitted Qatari-gifted jet.
President Donald Trump has formally begun the process to remove Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. This decision is described as 'earth-shifting' for Syria's economic recovery and could unlock export restrictions and allow for increased foreign aid to the country. The move follows a meeting where President Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
In a separate diplomatic development, the White House has officially invited Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to visit Washington D.C. on July 21, 2026. The purpose of this visit is to meet with President Donald J. Trump and discuss bilateral relations, regional security, and U.S. support for Lebanon.
Amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, President Trump opted to fly an older Air Force One to the UK from Turkey. This decision involved bypassing a newly retrofitted Qatari-gifted jet and has raised security questions regarding the newer aircraft.