U.S. Adjusts Terrorism List With Syria’s Removal

The U.S. State Department removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after a congressional review. This decision follows the overthrow of the Syrian government and the establishment of President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s regime. Al-Sharaa was previously regarded as a terrorist by the U.S. until the designation was lifted on November 7, 2025, ahead of his visit to the White House. The Federal Register published this change on December 1.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the Syrian government’s steps under President al-Sharaa to separate from international terrorism. He acknowledged the administration’s efforts to combat terrorism as a pivotal reason for the removal. Syria was the last nation on the list since its inception in 1979, and this move will lift numerous sanctions.

Other nations previously on the list included Libya, Iraq, and Yemen. Libya was delisted in 2006. Iraq was first removed in 1982 and again in 2004. Yemen was removed after unification in 1990. Sudan, added in 1993, was removed in 2020.

Current State Sponsors of Terrorism

Three countries remain on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism: Iran, Cuba, and North Korea.

Iran

Iran was designated in 1984, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The U.S. has maintained this designation due to Iran’s support for organizations such as Lebanese Hezbollah and the Houthi movement. Despite a brief thaw during the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2015, tensions rose after President Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018. Accusations of nuclear pursuits and arming factions against U.S. troops continued. Recent conflicts involving Iran and Israel further complicate matters.

Cuba

Cuba was added in 1982 for its support of leftist movements, including FARC and ETA. The U.S. has imposed a longstanding trade embargo since the 1959 revolution. Diplomatic ties improved under President Obama, who removed Cuba from the list in 2015, but President Trump reversed these actions during his tenure. Trump intensified sanctions on Cuba and imposed an oil embargo subsequent to his involvement in Venezuelan politics.

North Korea

North Korea entered the list in 1988 after the Korean Air Flight 858 bombing. The country was accused of supporting foreign groups like the Japanese Red Army. North Korea was removed in 2008 during disarmament talks but relisted in 2017 after a high-profile assassination related to the regime. Diplomatic efforts with North Korea faltered despite direct meetings between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Recent discussions hint at a possible thaw, although confirmation from North Korea remains absent.

“These developments represent significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy and the global landscape of state-sponsored terrorism,” a State Department representative commented.