President Donald Trump has formally asked Congress to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing the economic impact as 'life-changing' for Syria, according to reports. The request follows the Trump administration's earlier notification to Congress on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump has formally asked Congress to remove Syria from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to reports Wednesday evening. Trump described the economic impact on Syria as 'life-changing,' signaling an emphasis on economic normalization alongside the diplomatic shift.
The request follows a rapid sequence of developments earlier Wednesday. At 17:33 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that the Trump administration had notified congressional leaders of the decision, triggering a mandatory 45-day review period. That report, based on a senior US official speaking to Reuters, also noted that President Trump had personally informed Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara of the move. Hours later, at 21:33 Jerusalem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the move 'historic' and said it opens economic opportunities, as The Zioneer reported.
Syria was designated a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979. The delisting is part of a broader effort to engage the new Syrian government under al-Shara. As The Zioneer reported on June 18, the Trump administration has been pressing Israel and Syria to resume security talks.
The 45-day congressional review period remains ongoing. Congress must decide whether to block the delisting or allow it to take effect.
6 developments
- StrongTrump to meet Syrian President al-Sharaa in Turkey this week
- StrongTrump says Syria 'would be happy' to handle Hezbollah, Lebanese president to visit Washington
- DevelopingTrump to submit Iran peace and nuclear deal to Congress, vows to destroy enriched uranium
- StrongReport: Trump administration presses Israel and Syria to resume security talks
Source and signal
- Internal intake