The United States Department of State announced that it was modifying the International Traffic in Arms Regulations to remove Syria from the list of countries subject to an automatic weapons export ban. The change, approved on August 19, 2026, permits the government to review defense-related transfers to Syria individually rather than maintaining a blanket prohibition.
The policy shift represents the latest in a series of moves by the Trump administration to ease restrictions on Syria following the December 2024 ouster of former President Bashar al-Assad. The current Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has prioritized improving relations with the United States and securing relief from economic sanctions that he argues are impeding the nation’s recovery from its prolonged civil conflict. Al-Sharaa previously served as a fighter with Syria’s al-Nusra Front armed group.
The administration has demonstrated an optimistic outlook toward the new Syrian government, gradually rolling back numerous constraints. Earlier actions included easing certain economic sanctions during the previous year and announcing in August that the United States was removing Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Additionally, the US disclosed in February that it intends to eventually reestablish its diplomatic presence by reopening the embassy in Damascus, which had remained closed since 2012.
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