The United States on Monday (August 24, 2026) rescinded Syria's decades-old designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, a step that came with severe economic restrictions and marked a further warming of ties between the two countries since the 2024 ouster of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. On Tuesday (August 25, 2026), Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the decision, saying in a speech that "today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding." He also expressed thanks to the U.S. President. The removal is a major sanctions relief step for Syria, which aims to boost post-war reconstruction.