The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking a significant shift in international relations with the war-torn country. This historic decision was made after a 45-day congressional review period, triggered by US President Donald Trump's formal notification to Congress on July 8. The removal is in recognition of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's commitment to distance Syria from acts of international terrorism. The designation, which had been in place since 1979, carried restrictions on US foreign assistance, defense exports and sales, certain dual-use items, and financial transactions, serving as a major deterrent for banks and investors even after Washington dismantled its broader sanctions programme on Syria. This move is expected to open up opportunities for international legitimacy, commercial investment, and reconstruction efforts in Syria. Al-Sharaa's government has been seeking this legitimacy, and strategically, the US aims to pull Syria away from the influence of Iran and Russia. The removal also revoked the designation of al-Nusrah Front, a former terrorist organization led by al-Sharaa. This move is expected to contribute to political and economic stability in Syria and the region, with Syria's central bank working towards building a modern and reliable financial system. Syrian officials have hailed this decision as a major success for Syrian diplomacy and an opportunity to strengthen Syria's integration into the global economic and financial system.