Trump moves to drop Syria from US terrorism list after 47 years
What's next: Congress gets 45 days to review the move, which would ease barriers to aid, defense exports and financial dealings.
President Donald Trump told Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa that the United States will remove Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list, a designation it has carried since 1979. Trump handed al-Sharaa a letter after their meeting in Ankara saying he had decided to clear the way for Syria's reconstruction and had notified Congress. Lawmakers now have a 45-day review period before the move can take effect. The designation restricts U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports and some financial transactions. The step follows Trump's June executive order ending a U.S. sanctions program on Syria, as Gulf states and Saudi firms prepare financial support and investment after Bashar Assad's 2024 ouster.