Washington disclosed on Friday that Syria has been taken off the United States' list of countries prohibited from receiving defense articles and services under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). The change, issued by the State Department, means that U.S. firms may now apply for export licenses to supply certain military‑related items to Syrian entities, subject to the usual review and approval process.

The decision follows a review of Syria's compliance with specific conditions set by the United States, including cooperation on counter‑terrorism efforts and steps toward political reconciliation. While the removal signals a shift in Washington's approach to Damascus, officials emphasized that it does not constitute a blanket lifting of all U.S. sanctions against the Syrian government. Other economic and diplomatic restrictions remain in force, and any proposed export will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.

State Department officials indicated that the move aims to encourage further constructive behavior by the Syrian authorities and to support regional stability. They noted that the licensing framework will continue to incorporate safeguards designed to prevent diversion of U.S. defense articles to unauthorized end‑users or illicit activities.

Human‑rights organizations have expressed caution, warning that easing arms‑related controls could embolden the Syrian regime, which has been accused of widespread violations during the civil conflict. The United Nations has previously documented numerous allegations of unlawful attacks on civilian populations, and advocates argue that any expansion of military assistance should be tightly monitored.

Regional actors responded with mixed reactions. Turkey's foreign ministry highlighted the importance of ensuring that any U.S. arms transfers do not exacerbate existing tensions along its border with Syria. Israel's defense establishment, meanwhile, called for close coordination to address any potential security implications arising from the policy change.

Analysts view the removal as part of a broader recalibration of U.S. policy toward the Middle East, reflecting an attempt to balance diplomatic engagement with security concerns. The adjustment may also be linked to ongoing negotiations involving Syrian reconstruction and the reintegration of the country into international frameworks.

The State Department reiterated that the United States will continue to monitor the situation closely and retain the authority to reimpose restrictions if necessary. Companies seeking to export defense articles to Syria are required to submit detailed license applications, and the Department will assess each request against national security and foreign policy criteria.

Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/30/syria-removed-from-us-arms-export-ban-list?traffic_source=rss.