US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Wednesday that President Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of his intention to remove Syria from the US State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. In a post on X, Rubio described the decision as a historic step that opens new possibilities for economic opportunity and recovery for the Syrian people.
Trump's Meeting with Syrian Interim President
The announcement followed a meeting between Trump and Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara. Speaking to reporters, Trump expressed his inclination to delist Syria, praising al-Sharaa's leadership. "I think I will. Why wouldn't I? He's done a great job," Trump said. He added, "Maybe he would have brought that up in a little while -- that's a good question. Yeah, any problems with that? I think we should. Yeah, I will."
Background of Syria's Designation
Syria has been on the US State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism since December 1979. However, following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's government in December 2024, lawmakers from both major US political parties have called for the designation to be lifted. The move is part of broader efforts by Washington to normalise relations with Damascus.
Previous Actions on HTS
Last year, the Trump administration revoked the foreign terrorist organisation designation for Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also known as the al-Nusra Front. HTS led the movement that resulted in Assad's fall and was headed by al-Sharaa. Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, was previously one of the world's most wanted men with a $10 million US bounty on his head for his leadership of al-Qaeda-linked militant groups in Syria. In late 2024, the United States officially scrapped the reward after diplomatic meetings.
Trump's Comments on Israel and Hezbollah
During his interaction with al-Sharaa, Trump also addressed Israel's military presence in southern Lebanon, stating he expected a withdrawal. "I think they are going to. I think they want to," Trump said, without providing a timeline or further details. Last month, Trump suggested that Syria could address the issue of Hezbollah in Lebanon. During a bilateral meeting with Qatar's Emir on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump said al-Sharaa would deal with rebel groups if Israel "can't do the job without killing everyone." He added, "He'll do the job. Syria will do the job."
