The United States is expected to soon confirm the removal of Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, aiming to facilitate the country's economic recovery.
According to sources in the US State Department cited by Al-Monitor, sanctions related to the terrorism sponsor status remain the last major obstacle for Syria to fully return to international trade. This status currently severely restricts foreign companies from investing in Syria and supplying certain categories of goods.
It is noteworthy that a large portion of sanctions against Syria were lifted after President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with US leader Donald Trump in May 2025.
The State Department conducted a comprehensive review of financial flows related to the Syrian state over six months. The review is now complete, and there is consensus within the department on removing Syria from the list. The final decision rests with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"There are no other obstacles. Rubio is the last person who needs to sign off," one source told the portal.
