US President Donald Trump has informed Congress of his administration’s intention to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant step towards normalising relations with Damascus and supporting the country’s economic recovery.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally notified Congress of the planned move, which will be subject to a mandatory 45-day review period before the decision can take effect. The administration said removing the designation would help Syria attract foreign investment, expand international trade and rebuild its economy.

Rubio Says Move Will Help Syria Rebuild Economy

Announcing the decision, Rubio described the proposed removal of Syria’s designation as another major step by the Trump administration to give the country an opportunity to rebuild.

“Today, President Trump informed Congress of his administration’s intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST), following a 45-day pre-notification period,” Rubio said. “This is yet another historic step by President Trump to give the Syrian people a chance at greatness.”

Rubio said ending the designation and easing sanctions would help Syria reconnect with international markets and attract investment needed for reconstruction.

“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. “A stable, unified Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors benefits not only the region, but the entire world.”

Trump Informs Syrian President Of Decision

Trump also informed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa of the decision in a letter seen by news agency Reuters.

“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.

“We have US companies ready to invest in Syria and help make your country greater and more prosperous than ever before,” he added.

A senior US administration official said the letter was handed to Sharaa after Trump met the Syrian president in Ankara on Wednesday.

Trump said Congress had already been notified of the administration’s decision and would conduct the required 45-day review before the designation could formally be rescinded.

Decision Could Ease Investment Restrictions On Syria

Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism imposes restrictions on US foreign assistance, defence exports and certain financial transactions. Removing the designation could ease barriers to international investment and Syria’s participation in the global financial system.

Syria Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan welcomed the announcement, saying the move would create broader opportunities for investment, economic recovery and Syria’s reintegration into the global economy, according to a post on Telegram.

Last year, Trump signed an executive order ending a US sanctions programme targeting Syria, allowing the country to begin emerging from its isolation within the international financial system.

Several Saudi companies are planning investments worth billions of dollars as part of Riyadh’s efforts to support Syria’s economic recovery. Other Gulf countries have also pledged financial assistance to Damascus.

Trump Praises Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa

Trump also praised Sharaa, who previously served as a commander of al Qaeda’s Nusra Front in Syria before severing ties with the organisation in 2016.

Sharaa later led a coalition of Islamist rebel factions that toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024.

The US president has also encouraged Sharaa’s actions against the Islamic State militant group operating in the region.

“He’s respected by everybody, including me,” Trump said.

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