Rubio: Trump intends to remove Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation

 

Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that President Donald Trump has moved to rescind Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation.

During the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Summit in Turkey, Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday, where he told reporters he was considering removing the designation.

“I think I will, yeah,” Trump said, speaking on the matter. “Why wouldn’t I, he’s done a great job.”

Trump also noted that Syria has since stabilized under Sharaa’s presidency. Rubio posted to social media on Wednesday to confirm the president’s affirmations.

 “Today POTUS informed Congress of his intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This historic step opens new possibilities for economic opportunity and recovery, giving the Syrian people a chance at greatness,” the secretary of state said.

Today @POTUS informed Congress of his intent to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This historic step opens new possibilities for economic opportunity and recovery, giving the Syrian people a chance at greatness.

— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) July 8, 2026

Syria has been designated as a State Sponsor of Terror since 1979, according to the State Department.

 

Since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in late 2024, the United States and Syria have reportedly worked on strengthening diplomacy.