At the NATO summit in Ankara, President Trump said the United States would lift Syria sanctions and consider removing Syria from the terrorism list, signaling a sharp turn in U.S. policy that could reshape the Middle East.

Story Snapshot

• Trump met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.
• Trump said U.S. sanctions on Syria would be lifted and that Syria could be removed from the terrorism list.
• Critics cite Syria’s long record of backing groups like Hezbollah as reason for caution.
• Treasury records show Syria sanctions were archived in 2025, aligning with Trump’s shift.

A Rare Leader-Level Meeting Signals a Policy Break

President Trump held a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The session drew global attention because U.S. leaders and Syrian leaders rarely meet face to face. Video from major outlets confirms the encounter and the public remarks by both men. The meeting followed months of outreach that included earlier contacts. The Ankara sit-down made clear the White House wants to reset ties and test cooperation on security and regional stability.

During brief remarks, President Trump said the United States would lift sanctions on Syria and consider removing Syria from the State Department’s terrorism list. He described Syria as moving toward stability and framed the shift as part of building a broader front against the Islamic State group. The comments go beyond past U.S. policy, which relied on pressure and isolation. Trump’s words set expectations for rapid changes in trade, finance, and diplomatic channels if the bureaucracy follows through.

What the Record Shows on Sanctions and Terror Listings

Official records from the Department of the Treasury’s sanctions office show Syria’s sanctions program moved to “inactive and archived” status in 2025. That archive status signals a formal wind-down of specific rules that had blocked most commerce with Syrian entities. Trump’s latest remarks suggest the administration now wants to go further by changing the terrorism designation. However, removal from the terrorism list requires a legal review and certification by the Secretary of State to Congress before it becomes final.

Analysts and historians warn that Syria’s past support for armed groups still matters. The Council on Foreign Relations notes Syria’s history of aiding groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including giving some a base in Damascus. That track record is why many governments stayed cautious for decades. Supporters of engagement argue the new Syrian leadership after the Assad era deserves a fresh assessment. Skeptics counter that clear, verified breaks with those networks must come first.

Why This Move Divides Washington but Unites Public Doubts

Members of both parties have pressured the State Department to reassess Syria’s terrorism label, saying conditions have changed since the civil war’s peak. Yet many national security voices still view Syria’s ties to Iran and Hezbollah as a live risk, not just old history. These cross-currents explain why big announcements often meet slow implementation. People on the right and the left also see another pattern: leaders make sweeping claims while the federal machine lags or shields its own interests, feeding distrust that the “system” serves itself first.

President Trump says he is considering removing Syria from the U.S. State Department’s state sponsor of terrorism list following his meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa at the NATO summit.

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For conservatives, the pitch is stability, border security for allies, and an end to endless sanctions that have not delivered change. For liberals, the worry is human rights, war crimes, and the risk of rewarding a government that may still enable armed proxies. Both sides share one question: will this deal actually make Americans safer and lower the chance of another costly conflict? That is the core test. Clear milestones, public reporting, and snapback penalties will be needed to win trust.

What to Watch Next: Proof, Process, and Guardrails

Congress will look for a formal terrorism-list review, with evidence that Syria has ended support for groups that target civilians. The State Department will need to certify the change and brief lawmakers. The Treasury Department will need to publish guidance for banks so legal trade can restart without opening doors to illicit finance. The Pentagon and allies will seek concrete Syrian steps against the Islamic State group, such as border controls, detainee transfers, and intel sharing, documented in joint reports.

Regional impacts will surface fast. Israel will weigh Syria’s actions toward Hezbollah and the Golan front. Turkey will watch cross-border militias and refugee flows. Gulf states will test investment openings but want clarity on compliance rules. If Syria meets verifiable benchmarks, the policy turn could reduce tensions and help rebuild a shattered economy. If promises fade, pressure will return, and public anger at “deals with no delivery” will grow. Results, not press moments, will decide which path we see.

Sources:

reuters.com, youtube.com, opensyr.com, lawfaremedia.org, aa.com.tr