The Trump administration’s February 2026 congressional notification on a phased resumption of U.S. Embassy operations in Damascus, combined with sanctions relief and Syria’s August 2026 removal from the state sponsor of terrorism list, has shaped trader views on timing. Special Envoy Tom Barrack’s May 2025 flag-raising at the ambassador’s residence and subsequent high-level meetings advanced rapprochement after Assad’s December 2024 ouster, while Syria’s recent readmission to the U.S.-led anti-ISIS coalition and October 2026 ITAR policy shift further eased barriers. Full reopening still requires security assessments, funding execution, and resolution of remaining stability concerns, with other nations such as Denmark and the UAE already restoring resident embassies in Damascus.