The United States announced it has removed Syria from the "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list after being on it since 1979, over 47 years. This action eliminates a major barrier to investment and Syria's return to the global economy. The new government led by President Ahmed Al-Shara called the decision a historic step.
The US declared Syria's removal from the state sponsors of terrorism list after 47 years. The US government stated this decision will pave the way for private sector investment and support Syria's reintegration into the global economy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the removal acknowledges the positive actions of the Syrian government under President Ahmed Al-Shara, who is fully committed to breaking ties with international terrorism. The decision took effect after a 45-day congressional review since President Donald Trump notified Congress on 8 July of the intention to revoke the designation.
Syria was designated in 1979 during President Hafez al-Assad's era, with the US accusing the Syrian government of supporting armed groups. The designation remained through the tenure of his son, Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted by a rebel group led by Al-Shara in December 2024.
Al-Shara was formerly commander of the Al-Nusra Front, linked to Al-Qaeda, before severing ties with jihadist networks in 2016. His group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led the rebel offensive that toppled Assad’s government and now plays a key role in Syria's interim government.
Previously, the US removed HTS from its list of foreign terrorist organizations and delisted Al-Shara from the specially designated global terrorist list.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the removal will encourage further investment in Syria and support political and economic stability. Syrian Foreign Minister Asad Hassan Al-Shaibani called the decision a "historic step," adding the government will work to overcome the effects of isolation and build an environment based on transparency, mutual benefit, and respect.
Being on the US state sponsors of terrorism list has wide-ranging effects, including limiting foreign aid, arms exports, and restrictions on financial and trade transactions with the listed country, making it a major obstacle for banks and investors.
Although the US lifted broad sanctions on Syria in July 2025, it maintains targeted measures against individuals and groups linked to Assad's government, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and networks connected to Iran.
With Syria's removal, only three countries remain on the US state sponsors of terrorism list: Cuba, Iran, and North Korea.
The Syrian government hopes the removal will enable the country to rejoin the international financial system, attract investment, and raise funds to rebuild after nearly 14 years of war. The US stated the easing of restrictions aims to create opportunities for Syria to stabilize, attract investment, and revive its economy.