Trump Says US Likely to Remove Syria from Terror List

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States is likely to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. The US president made the statement during an official meeting in Turkey with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The designation previously imposed strict restrictions on foreign aid, defense exports and financial transactions involving Syria. The move follows Trump's signing of an executive order ending the US sanctions program against the country to support its post-war reconstruction.

Washington has lifted most sanctions, including those imposed under the Caesar Act, which targeted entities linked to former President Bashar al-Assad. However, sanctions remain in place against Assad, his close associates and human rights violators.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are also preparing to support Syria's economic recovery with billions of dollars in planned investments.

Trump also praised al-Sharaa, who led the rebel coalition that overthrew the Assad regime in late 2024. While acknowledging al-Sharaa's past involvement with the al-Nusra Front – an Islamist militant group formerly linked to al-Qaeda – Trump said he commands respect and praised his role in the fight against the Islamic State group.

(Reuters, Max)