President Donald Trump has informed Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa that he has decided to remove Syria from the US list of designated state sponsors of terrorism. In a letter handed to al-Sharaa after their meeting in Ankara on Wednesday, Trump wrote, 'I promised to remove all barriers stopping you from rebuilding your country, and very soon, you will finally be able to do so.' The letter, seen by Reuters, also stated, 'We have US companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before.'
Congressional Review and Implications
Trump said he has notified Congress, which will now conduct a 45-day review before the decision can take effect. The designation as a state sponsor of terrorism carries restrictions on US foreign assistance, defense exports, and certain financial transactions. Last month, Trump signed an executive order terminating a US sanctions program on Syria, allowing an end to the country's isolation from the international financial system.
International Investment and Support
Several Saudi firms are planning billion-dollar investments as part of Riyadh's efforts to support Syria's recovery, while other Gulf states have also pledged financial assistance. Trump complimented al-Sharaa, who was a commander of Al Qaeda's Nusra Front in Syria before cutting ties with the group in 2016. He later led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions in late 2024 to topple Assad. Trump has encouraged al-Sharaa's actions against the Islamic State militant group in the region, stating, 'He's respected by everybody, including me.'
