The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move that lifts what officials described as the "final major barriers" to private sector investment and Syria's reintegration into the global economy. The designation had been in place for 47 years, since 1979.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision recognizes the Syrian government's positive actions in fully distancing itself from acts of international terrorism. The administration has engaged with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former militant who previously led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization that was also removed from the U.S. list of global terrorist organizations.
HTS, formerly known as the al-Nusra Front, was an affiliate of al-Qaeda in Syria until al-Sharaa severed ties in 2016. HTS led the rebel offensive that overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and currently dominates al-Sharaa's transitional administration.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed that this action will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability. Syria's removal from the list leaves Cuba, North Korea, and Iran as the only remaining state sponsors of terrorism.
The state sponsor of terrorism designation carries significant financial sanctions, restrictions on U.S. foreign aid and defense exports, and can penalize individuals and countries trading with the sanctioned state.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani called the decision a "historic step" and stated that Syria will continue working to remove the effects of isolation and create an environment based on transparency, mutual interests, and respect. The U.S. also revoked HTS's designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and removed al-Sharaa from its list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists last year.
The U.S. hopes this move will encourage Syria's alignment with American interests rather than those of Russia or China. However, the country faces significant risks, remaining insecure and lacking a representative government. Syria is also situated at the center of growing tensions between its neighbors, Israel and Turkey.