Trump Discusses Removing Syria from Terrorism Sponsor List

U.S. President Donald Trump announced during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at a summit in Turkey that he had considered removing Syria from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. The remarks, made on Wednesday, marked a shift from the Trump administration’s previous stance, which had maintained Syria on the list since 2012. The discussion took place amid broader diplomatic efforts to address regional tensions, though no immediate action was taken following the meeting.

The state sponsors of terrorism designation, managed by the U.S. State Department, typically triggers sanctions and restrictions on foreign aid. Syria’s inclusion in the list has historically been tied to its government’s alleged support for groups like Hezbollah and its role in the Syrian civil war. While Trump’s comments suggest a potential policy reversal, no formal proposal was released, and the Biden administration has not pursued such a move. Analysts note that removing Syria from the list would require a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the country, which remains a focal point of geopolitical conflict.

A Trump spokesperson later clarified that the president’s remarks were part of a broader conversation about improving U.S.-Syria relations but emphasized no decision had been finalized. The State Department reiterated that any changes to the terrorism list would depend on a comprehensive review of Syria’s actions. The statement underscores ongoing debates over how the U.S. balances diplomatic engagement with counterterrorism priorities in the Middle East.