Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa told Al Jazeera that lifting U.S. sanctions will have limited effect unless Washington also deletes Syria from its state‑sponsored terrorism list, calling the designation outdated and a barrier to recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Trump removed Syria from the U.S. state‑sponsored terrorism list.
  • Al‑Sharaa says sanctions relief alone is insufficient.
  • He labels the designation as outdated and harmful to recovery.

Overview of the U.S. Decision

The United States announced on 26 July 2026 that it would delist Syria from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, opening the door to potential easing of economic sanctions.

Al‑Sharaa’s Response

Syrian President Ahmed al‑Sharaa told Al Jazeera that merely lifting U.S. economic sanctions would have limited impact unless Syria is also removed from the terrorism sponsors list. He described the designation as “outdated” and a “restriction on the country’s recovery.”

Historical Background

U.S. sanctions against Syria date back to 1979, but the country was added to the state‑sponsored terrorism list in 2020 – a rare move that severely limited Syrian access to international finance, trade, and investment.

Potential Economic Impact

If the delisting is fully implemented, American firms could resume business with Syrian partners, potentially spurring infrastructure rebuilding and attracting foreign investment in the oil‑gas sector. However, al‑Sharaa warned that without a comprehensive sanctions rollback, economic recovery will remain sluggish.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the delisting could reshape regional power dynamics, offering Syria a diplomatic opening while testing U.S. leverage in the Middle East.

“The removal is symbolic, but without a comprehensive sanctions roll‑back, its real impact remains modest,” says Dr. Lina Haddad, Middle‑East policy expert.
Did You Know?: Syria was first placed on the U.S. terrorism sponsors list in 2020, making it one of the few countries ever added.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What direct economic benefits will delisting bring to Syria?
    A: Easier trade with U.S. companies, access to the global financial system, and potential increase in foreign investment.
  • Q: Will this decision immediately improve the lives of Syrian citizens?
    A: Not immediately; broader sanctions relief and international support are needed for tangible improvements.