Syria removed from US arms export ban list

The United States has removed Syria from the list of countries banned from buying or importing US weapons by amending the ITAR regulations, allowing US arms sales on a case-by-case basis. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to improve relations with the Syrian government of Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa aims to enhance US relations and lift economic sanctions hindering recovery. The change was announced by the State Department on September 30, 2026, following a decision approved on August 19, 2026.