The US has taken another major step toward integrating Syria's transitional government into its regional strategy. During a meeting with Syria's transitional president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump announced the formal launch of procedures to remove Syria from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. The designation, imposed in 1979, is the oldest US sanction still in place against Damascus.

The announcement came one day after French President Emmanuel Macron became the first Western leader to visit Syria since the fall of the former government. It also followed Trump's decision to send al-Sharaa a letter outlining the next stage of US engagement with Damascus.

From Washington's perspective, Syria has become a strategic regional partner under the current transitional leadership.

The move is part of Washington's broader approach toward what it calls a "new Syria." The Trump administration has gradually dismantled decades of sanctions, viewing economic recovery and foreign investment as key to consolidating the country's new political order. From Washington's perspective, Syria has become a strategic regional partner under the current transitional leadership.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio later confirmed that the delisting process had begun. He said removing Syria from the terrorism list would open the way for international trade and investment, support reconstruction efforts, and create a new chapter for the Syrian people.

Syria was added to the terrorism list during the administration of President Jimmy Carter. Washington accused Damascus of supporting groups it classified as “terrorist organizations,” particularly in Lebanon and Palestine. The designation provided the legal basis for decades of economic sanctions that isolated Syria and discouraged foreign investment.

By ending the designation, the US hopes to encourage investors to enter the Syrian market and present Syria as a model for countries aligned with Washington's regional agenda. The administration has already lifted many of the toughest sanctions imposed on Damascus, including those under the Caesar Act. Removing Syria from the terrorism list is widely viewed as “the most significant change in US policy toward the country in decades.”

Before meeting Trump, al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani held talks with a bipartisan US congressional delegation led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen. The delegation included Senators Chris Coons, Mike Rounds, Dick Durbin, and Lindsey Graham, as well as Representative Michael Turner. US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Thomas Barrack also attended.

In a post on X, Barrack said the meeting “underscores the critical importance of Syria as a focal point amid the intricate and rapidly evolving dynamics of one of the world’s most complex regions.” He added that the moment carried “historic weight” by highlighting Syria’s central role in shaping the future of the Middle East.

Trump also repeated, in al-Sharaa’s presence, that he had provided Israel with unprecedented support during his presidency. He again highlighted his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights.

During his meeting with al-Sharaa, Trump praised Syria's new leadership and offered warm personal remarks about the transitional president. “He’s a strong person. He’s a great leader. He’s respected by everybody, including me, and we’re proud to have him,” Trump said.

“He’s done a really fantastic job as president. He’s unified the country in a very short period of time. I’d say like a year and a half, about a year and a half. Right from the beginning, it was a real mess, a very disjointed place, and he’s brought it together,” he added.

Asked about Syria's possible role in Lebanon, Trump said Damascus “could help,” adding that “we’ll find out” and that “we’re making a lot of progress.” During his flight back to Washington, he also revealed that al-Sharaa had given him assurances regarding Hezbollah but declined to provide details.

Trump also repeated, in al-Sharaa’s presence, that he had provided Israel with unprecedented support during his presidency. He again highlighted his recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights. Al-Sharaa did not publicly respond to the statement.

His silence contrasted with remarks he made at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in April, when he rejected US recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan. “No one has the right to give away land they do not own,” he said at the time, adding that any recognition of Israel’s claim to the occupied territory was null and void.

This is an edited translation for an article published in Arabic.