US President Donald Trump has informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa that he has decided to remove Syria from the United States’ list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, marking a major shift in relations between the two countries.
In a letter seen by Reuters following their meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, Trump said he was fulfilling his promise to remove obstacles preventing Syria from rebuilding after years of conflict.
“I promised to remove all barriers stopping you from rebuilding your country, and very soon, you will finally be able to do so,” Trump wrote. He also revealed that American companies were prepared to invest in Syria, expressing confidence that the country could become “greater and more prosperous than ever before.” The move is expected to pave the way for increased foreign investment and strengthen Syria’s efforts to rebuild its economy.
Trump said he had formally notified the US Congress, which will now carry out a mandatory 45-day review before the decision can officially take effect. Syria’s current designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism imposes restrictions on US foreign aid, defence exports and several financial transactions.
Reacting to the announcement, Syrian Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan welcomed the decision, saying it would open the door to broader investment opportunities, accelerate economic recovery and help reintegrate Syria into the global economy.
The announcement follows Trump’s executive order last year ending a US sanctions programme on Syria, effectively easing the country’s isolation from the international financial system. Several Saudi companies are reportedly preparing multi-billion-dollar investments in Syria, while other Gulf nations have also pledged financial support for the country’s reconstruction.
During his remarks, Trump also praised President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who previously served as a commander of al-Qaeda’s Nusra Front before severing ties with the group in 2016. Sharaa later led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that overthrew former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.
Trump also commended Sharaa’s efforts against the Islamic State militant group, saying: “He’s respected by everybody, including me.”
