United States Removes Syria from Arms Export Ban List

The United States has removed Syria from a list of countries banned from purchasing or importing US weapons, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with the Syrian government. The US Department of State announced on Wednesday that it would amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to allow arms sales to Syria on a case-by-case basis. According to a note posted in the Federal Register, Secretary of State approved a new defense trade policy for Syria on August 19, 2026, which permits the review of defense article and service transfers to Syria. The Secretary directed the Department to codify this change by publishing an amendment to ITAR that removes Syria from the list of countries for which the US policy is to deny licenses and approvals for defense exports and imports. This change follows a trend of the Trump administration easing restrictions that were previously placed on Syria during the rule of the al-Assad family, which ended with the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad by rebels in December 2024. The current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is focused on improving relations with the US and seeking relief from economic sanctions that he claims impede Syria's recovery from civil war. The Trump administration has gradually loosened restrictions, including easing some economic sanctions last year and removing Syria's designation as a 'state sponsor of terrorism' in August, as announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Additionally, the US plans to eventually reopen its embassy in Damascus, which has been closed since 2012.