US Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsors List After Nearly Half Century

The United States on Monday officially removed Syria from its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, marking the end of a nearly 50-year classification that has constrained the nation’s economic participation globally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the formal rescission following the completion of a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period required by law. The delisting represents a significant reversal of U.S. policy toward the Middle Eastern nation, which had remained on the list since 1979.

President Donald Trump initiated the process in July after formally notifying Congress that Syria’s government had discontinued its support for international terrorist activities. Rubio simultaneously announced the removal of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, the militant group known as HTS, from the designation of Specially Designated Global Terrorist. The secretary of state characterized both actions as historic steps undertaken by the Trump administration to provide Syrian citizens with opportunities for economic advancement.

Rubio cited Syria’s government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa for implementing counterterrorism measures, including joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November and conducting operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah and Iran-aligned militant groups. He emphasized that rescinding the terrorism designation eliminates substantial obstacles to private investment and facilitates Syria’s reentry into the international financial system following more than a decade of conflict.

Trump’s June 2025 executive order, titled “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,” terminated the Syria Sanctions Program and the national emergency declaration while directing reviews of additional Syria-related sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the action aligns with Trump’s commitment to delivering sanctions relief to Syria and will encourage additional investment to bolster political and economic stability.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told Reuters on August 22 that the lifting of sanctions would restore Syria’s access to global financial systems and stimulate business investment after nearly 14 years of warfare. The governor of Syria’s Central Bank called the delisting a historic development that restores the country to its appropriate position within the international economic framework. Cuba, Iran and North Korea remain the only nations designated by the United States as state sponsors of terrorism.