The Trump administration has advanced plans for a phased resumption of U.S. Embassy operations in Damascus, notifying Congress in February 2026 of intent to begin spending on preparations shortly after the notification. This follows the December 2024 ouster of Bashar al-Assad, the subsequent rise of the transitional government under Ahmad al-Sharaa, and special envoy Tom Barrack’s May 2025 flag-raising at the compound. Key supporting steps include the August 2026 removal of Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation, Syria’s formal entry into the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition, and reciprocal moves allowing Syria to reopen its Washington embassy. These diplomatic and sanctions-related developments shape trader assessments of reopening timelines, with resolution likely hinging on full operational staffing or official State Department confirmation rather than symbolic actions.