U.S. Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List

The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision after completing a 45-day mandatory congressional notification period. This action lifts significant obstacles to investment and economic recovery in Syria.

President Donald Trump initiated the process in July, following confirmation to Congress that Syria had stopped supporting international terrorism. Rubio also announced the removal of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist list.

Syria’s president gained a major diplomatic advantage with the U.S. removing the nation from its terrorism blacklist, thus unlocking opportunities for investment. (Image Credit: BING GUAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images; Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rubio cited this as another step by President Trump to promote prosperity for the Syrian people. Over the past year, Washington has taken substantial measures, including providing sanctions relief for Syria. A key move was Trump’s executive order in June 2025, “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,” which ended the Syria Sanctions Program and related national emergencies.

The decision was based on positive actions and commitments from the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who replaced Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria had been labeled a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979.

A brief alcohol ban in Damascus has raised concerns regarding President al-Sharaa’s vision for Syria.

Rubio highlighted Syria’s active role in counterterrorism, such as joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and targeting terror groups like ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Hizballah, and Iran-aligned factions.

The removal of terrorism designations opens doors for private-sector investment, bolstering Syria’s economic recovery and global reintegration. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that this aligns with Trump’s commitment to provide sanctions relief.

Syrians celebrated the end of the Assad family rule in Damascus, marking the closure of a 61-year regime. (Image Credit: Emin Sansar/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani indicated that removing the terrorism designation would reconnect Syria with the global financial system and attract investments after years of conflict.

The Central Bank of Syria viewed this as a “historic step” to reposition Syria within the global economic landscape.

President Trump shared a photo on Truth Social featuring al-Sharaa and al-Shibani holding the signed executive order from June, directing sanctions relief for Syria.

Despite Syria’s removal, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain on Washington’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.