US removes Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list

The United States on Monday removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a 47-year designation that had imposed severe economic restrictions and marking a significant shift in bilateral relations. The decision, announced by the U.S. Department of State and Treasury Department, also revoked the designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a global terrorist organization, signaling a broader recalibration of U.S. policy toward the war-torn country.

The move came after a 45-day congressional notification period, during which lawmakers were informed of the potential delisting. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the action aligned with President Donald Trump’s pledge to provide sanctions relief to Syria, stating it would "eliminate the final major barriers for private sector investment in Syria and promote its economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this, noting the step would "foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability."

Syria’s delisting followed the ousting of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, when rebels led by HTS overthrew his regime. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the group’s leader, assumed the presidency as the country began its post-war reconstruction. The U.S. cited Syria’s efforts to distance itself from international terrorism, including its formal participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and operations against extremist networks like ISIS, al-Qaida, and Iran-aligned groups. The decision also reflected the Trump administration’s broader strategy to ease sanctions on Syria while maintaining targeted measures against specific actors.

Syrian officials hailed the move as a "historic milestone," framing it as proof of the country’s transformation. Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani described the delisting as a "result of the transformation brought by the Syrian people," emphasizing that the designation had been associated with the policies of the former Assad regime. He thanked U.S. President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, and others for their role in the decision, calling it a step toward "international peace and security."

The U.S. action also removed the Nusrah Front—HTS’s former name—from its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists, leaving Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the only countries still designated as state sponsors of terrorism. While the delisting lifts major economic barriers, the U.S. clarified that its commitment to countering global terrorism remained unchanged. Treasury stressed that the removal of restrictions on Syria "does not alter its posture on holding bad actors accountable."

The decision has significant implications for Syria’s economic prospects. The country, devastated by over a decade of conflict, has sought billions in investment for reconstruction. The removal of the terrorism designation is expected to ease legal and compliance risks for foreign companies, though broader sanctions on Assad-era figures and Iran-linked entities remain in place. Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh has already engaged with international financial institutions, including Bank of America, to explore pathways for reintegration into the global economy.

U.S.-Syrian relations have grown closer since al-Sharaa’s rise, with Trump meeting the Syrian president on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey. The delisting underscores a strategic shift, prioritizing economic engagement over prolonged isolation. As Syria seeks to rebuild, the U.S. decision reflects a complex balancing act between geopolitical interests, counterterrorism priorities, and economic pragmatism. For Damascus, the removal from the terrorism list represents a symbolic and practical step toward reengagement with the international community, even as the path to full stability remains uncertain.