The United States is moving to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism nearly 50 years after its designation. The step could ease broad US sanctions on Syria and further open a path for the country’s reintegration into the global economy. The article was published on August 23, 2026.

Following a decision by President Donald Trump, the State Department notified Congress on July 8. A legally required 45-day review period ends Saturday. If Congress does not block the move, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will announce the final decision.

Syria was first added to the list in 1979 and later faced several rounds of sanctions, which became more extensive after the 2011 uprising and subsequent civil war. Removal from the list would not end all US sanctions. Targeted sanctions would remain against individuals and entities accused of human rights violations, corruption, and terrorism linked to the former Bashar al-Assad government.