Trump Moves to Rescind Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation, Easing Trade and Export Controls

President Trump notified Congress on July 8, 2026 of his intent to rescind Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism designation in 45 days, following the removal of most Assad-era comprehensive sanctions in 2025. Rescission would lift statutory export control and arms embargo restrictions under the Export Controls Act of 2018 and Arms Export Control Act, opening Syria to broader U.S. trade and investment.