US Removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism List

The United States formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, rescinding a decades-old designation.

Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa hailed the decision, stating early Tuesday that "Today, Syria shakes off a dark stain and tears away a painful chapter of its past to embark on a path of development, reconstruction and rebuilding." Al-Sharaa expressed many thanks to the president of the United States of America, Donald Trump, and to all the friendly and supportive nations that stood by us.

The US Treasury Department announced corresponding sanctions relief, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the move eliminates the final major barriers for private sector investment in Syria and promotes Syria’s economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy. The US Department of State also revoked its designation of the al-Nusra Front, later known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a global terrorist organization.

Al-Sharaa led HTS, which spearheaded the offensive that toppled longtime Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2024. HTS was formerly the branch of Al-Qaeda in Syria before breaking ties in 2016. Syria was first placed on the list in December 1979 during President Jimmy Carter's administration due to the al-Assad regime's support for Palestinian armed groups and its alliance with Tehran.

The designation carried restrictions including bans on US foreign assistance and arms exports, controls on dual-use exports, and limits on financial and commercial dealings. The US had initially announced its intent to delist Syria in July, a move seen as a vote of confidence in al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa met Trump at the White House in November 2025, accelerating the thaw between the two countries.

Türkiye welcomed the US decision, stating it would help eliminate a major obstacle to Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction. The Turkish Foreign Ministry called on the international community to unite efforts toward a prosperous Syria. Qatar and Jordan also welcomed Syria’s removal from the list. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the moves were in line with President Trump’s promise to deliver sanctions relief to Syria, but stressed it does not change Treasury’s posture with regards to countering global terrorism.