The global chemical weapons watchdog has restored Syria's voting rights, citing "concrete steps" taken by the country's new leadership to address outstanding issues concerning its chemical weapons program. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) announced the decision on Thursday, noting a "significant change" in circumstances since Syria's suspension in 2021.

Syria's suspension was a consequence of its former government's failure to declare the full scope of its chemical weapons program and its repeated use of poison gas during the civil war. The OPCW's decision reflects a shift following the ousting of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in 2024 by a lightning offensive.

The new Syrian authorities, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, have committed to fulfilling their obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention. According to the OPCW statement, these authorities have taken "concrete steps to cooperate with the Technical Secretariat to achieve this goal." These actions include facilitating verification activities and initiating the destruction of identified chemical weapon remnants.

OPCW Director-General Fernando Arias stated that these decisions "reflect the tangible progress achieved through continued cooperation and constructive engagement" between the Technical Secretariat and Syria, with support from other member states. This marks a significant development in the international oversight of chemical weapons.

Syria joined the OPCW in 2013 and agreed to the destruction of its declared weapons program, which was believed to include about 1,000 tonnes of toxins. This agreement, part of a joint Russian-US proposal, aimed to avert a US military strike following a suspected chemical attack in Ghouta that same year, which killed an estimated 1,400 people.

At the time of its suspension, the OPCW had stated that while Syria submitted an initial declaration, the former government did not declare all its chemical weapons and attempted to mislead inspectors. The Ghouta attack, attributed by US intelligence with "high confidence" to the Syrian government, led to widespread international condemnation.

The restoration of voting rights comes amid other shifts in Syria's international standing. Notably, the United States announced moves to delist Syria as a "state sponsor of terrorism" following President Trump's announcement, indicating a potential recalibration of international relations with the country.

While the new Syrian leadership has committed to cooperation, significant work remains in fully accounting for and dismantling any remaining chemical weapons capabilities. The OPCW's ongoing engagement will be crucial in verifying these efforts and ensuring compliance with international treaties.