'A chance to rebuild': US to remove Syria from terror blacklist unlocking more investments, trade

The US has announced that it will remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that has been in place since 1979 and has long hindered foreign investment. The move marks the latest sign of Washington's support for Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress of the decision, which is expected to take effect in 45 days unless lawmakers intervene to block it, an outcome considered unlikely.

The announcement follows President Donald Trump's meeting with Sharaa on the sidelines of a Nato summit in Turkey. Sharaa, a former jihadist, has sought to reinvent himself as a national leader after the 2024 overthrow of the Assad family, whose authoritarian rule over Syria lasted for nearly five decades.

"This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness," Rubio said in a statement.

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"Lifting sanctions on Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria a chance to rebuild, and open up a new chapter for the Syrian people," he said.

Israel stays wary

Trump's decision to deepen engagement with Sharaa comes despite concerns from Israel, which has continued carrying out airstrikes in Syria, a longtime regional rival.

Although Trump has publicly urged Syria to pursue peace with Israel, the administration proceeded with the delisting despite the absence of any significant breakthrough on that front.

Rubio said in his statement that "a stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbours benefits not only the region, but the entire world."

US eases up on Syria

The Trump administration began easing most sanctions on Syria a year ago after Turkey and Saudi Arabia encouraged the president to engage directly with Sharaa.

Speaking after meeting the Syrian leader in Ankara, Trump praised his efforts to stabilise the country.

"He's doing an unbelievable job in unifying Syria. What a job he's doing," Trump said.

"Syria was a mess with what happened with the previous government," Trump said.

Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States in 1979. The classification has imposed significant legal and financial restrictions, discouraging businesses, particularly American firms and companies with exposure to the US financial system, from investing or operating in the country.