The United States has removed Syria from a list of countries banned from buying or importing US weapons, allowing arms sales on a case-by-case basis.
The US Department of State announced the removal of Syria from the list of countries banned from buying or importing US weapons under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR. This change was approved by the Secretary of State on August 19, 2026, and allows for the review of defence article and defence service transfers to Syria on a case-by-case licensing basis. The amendment to ITAR was published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, reflecting a shift in US policy toward Syria.
This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to ease restrictions that were imposed during the Assad era. Syria’s current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been working to improve relations with the US and reduce economic sanctions that he claims are hindering the country’s recovery from years of civil war. The change follows a period of gradual relaxation of restrictions aimed at supporting Syria’s recovery from the conflict that lasted for decades under the rule of the al-Assad family.
Why it matters
The change affects Syria’s ability to obtain US weapons and signals a shift in US policy toward the country’s current government.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Future US licensing decisions on specific arms transfers to Syria will indicate the extent of the policy shift.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.