Jerusalem Post/Middle EastTrump also said the United States had "released sanctions from the country," adding that Syria had "become very stable."Follow us on GoogleUS President Donald Trump reacts as he meets with NATO Secretary General on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, on July 8, 2026.(photo credit: SINGER / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)ByREUTERSJULY 8, 2026 17:56US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he expects to remove Syria from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism, while praising the country's recent stability following the lifting of US sanctions."I think I will," Trump told reporters ahead of a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Turkey when asked whether he would remove Syria from the terrorism sponsor list.Trump also said the United States had "released sanctions from the country," adding that Syria had "become very stable."Trump says Syria could help with HezbollahTrump 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.US President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with NATO Secretary General on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, on July 8, 2026. (credit: SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)Trump says Israel wants to withdraw from southern LebanonSpeaking 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.Follow us on Google