The United States has removed Syria from its list of countries banned from purchasing or importing American weapons, as Washington continues to strengthen relations with the government in Damascus.
The US Department of State announced on Wednesday that it had amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to remove Syria from the list, allowing US arms sales to the country to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
According to a notice published in the Federal Register, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved a new defence trade policy for Syria on August 19, 2026. The policy permits the review and possible licensing of defence articles and services for transfer to Syria on an individual basis.
The decision is the latest step by the administration of US President Donald Trump to ease restrictions imposed on Syria during the decades-long rule of the al-Assad family, which ended when former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by rebels in December 2024.
Syria’s current President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has prioritised improving relations with the United States and securing relief from economic sanctions, which his government says have hindered efforts to rebuild the country after years of civil war.
The Trump administration has gradually relaxed several restrictions on Syria. Washington eased some economic sanctions last year, while Rubio announced in August that the US would remove Syria from its designation as a “state sponsor of terrorism”.
The United States also announced in February that it planned to eventually reopen its embassy in Damascus, which has been closed since 2012.
The latest decision means US defence exports to Syria can now be considered individually, rather than being automatically prohibited under the previous policy.
Tags
World News