US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he may remove Syria from the United States’ list of state sponsors of terrorism. Speaking to reporters during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Turkey, Trump said, “I think I will,” when asked about lifting the designation.

Currently, Syria remains on the US list of designated state sponsors of terrorism, a classification that imposes significant restrictions, including limits on foreign aid, defense exports, and financial transactions. The designation reflects longstanding US concerns over Damascus’s alleged support for militant groups.

This development follows recent moves by the Trump administration toward recalibrating its policy toward Syria. Last month, Trump signed an executive order terminating a sanctions program targeting Syria, effectively easing the country’s isolation from the international financial system. The order was seen as part of a broader effort by Washington to facilitate Syria’s reconstruction after years of devastating civil conflict.

While the administration has framed these changes as steps toward stabilizing Syria and supporting reconstruction, critics worry that lifting sanctions and revoking Syria’s terrorist designation could undermine pressure on the Assad regime and embolden its regional allies.

As of now, no formal decision has been announced regarding Syria’s removal from the terrorist list, and U.S. officials have not specified a timeline for such action. The potential shift reflects ongoing debates within US policy circles about how best to engage with Syria amid complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East.