Syrian President Returns from Turkey with Trump’s Signature to Remove Syria from Terror List

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani concluded a high-stakes visit to Turkey on Thursday, returning with what is described as a formal commitment from the United States to normalize Syria's international standing. According to reports reviewed by The Zioneer Intelligence Desk, the Syrian delegation is carrying a document signed by President Donald Trump that initiates the removal of Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

A Historic Shift

This development follows a formal notification sent by President Trump to Congress on Wednesday evening, as previously reported by The Zioneer. The removal of the designation would mark the first time since 1979 that Syria is not classified by Washington as a state sponsor of terror. The move signals a rapid pivot by the Trump administration toward the post-Assad leadership in Damascus, led by al-Sharaa.

Regional Context and Analysis

The meeting in Turkey represents the highest level of direct engagement between Washington and Damascus in decades. While the signature is a significant diplomatic milestone, the process typically involves a 45-day congressional review period. The Zioneer Intelligence Desk notes that this diplomatic thaw comes amid reports that President al-Sharaa has committed to assisting in addressing the presence of Hezbollah, though he has previously rejected proposals for Syrian forces to replace the IDF in direct confrontations.

Outlook for Israel

For Israel, the removal of Syria from the terror list is a double-edged development. While it suggests a potential distancing of the new Syrian government from the Iranian axis and Hezbollah, the security establishment remains focused on whether the al-Sharaa administration can—or will—effectively prevent the use of Syrian territory for weapons smuggling and proxy activity. The Zioneer will continue to monitor the 45-day review period and any subsequent shifts in Syrian border security.