US President Donald Trump has notified Congress of his decision to rescind Syria’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, a senior US administration official said on Wednesday.
The move requires Congress to conduct a 45-day review to make the decision final.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said at the NATO summit in Ankara that the United States had "released sanctions from the country," adding that Syria had "become very stable."
Trump says Syria could help with Hezbollah
Trump said he believes Syria "could help with Hezbollah" and Lebanon, but did not elaborate.
The US has previously said it is reviewing Syria's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which carries restrictions on US foreign assistance, defense exports, and certain financial transactions.
Trump says Israel wants to withdraw from southern Lebanon
Speaking later at the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump also said he believes Israel intends to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon.
"I think they want to," Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility of an Israeli withdrawal, adding that he believes Israel is interested in taking that step.
The remarks came as Trump discussed broader regional issues, including Syria's role in the region and its potential to assist with Hezbollah and Lebanon.