The United States has removed Syria from its list of "State Sponsors of Terrorism," a designation that was first imposed in 1979 and had remained throughout the rule of former President Hafez al-Assad's son, Bashar al-Assad. This decision, announced on Monday, comes after a 45-day congressional review period following US President Donald Trump's formal notification to Congress on July 8 of his intention to rescind the designation. The move was made in recognition of Syria's commitment to distance itself from acts of international terrorism under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who toppled Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. This action is expected to open up opportunities for international legitimacy and commercial investment, including US financial assistance and defense sales. The decision also revoked the designation of the Al-Nusrah Front, a group formerly led by al-Sharaa, as a global "terrorist" organization. Syrian officials have welcomed this move, describing it as an important shift that opens a new chapter in international relations with Syria and will contribute to supporting economic recovery efforts and creating suitable conditions for reconstruction and regional stability. This step is strategically significant as it aims to pull Syria away from the influences of Iran and Russia, ending its formal pariah status.