US Removes Syria From State Sponsors of Terrorism List

The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979. The decision removes a major legal and reputational obstacle to the country’s economic reintegration.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorised the rescission after the completion of a mandatory 45-day notification period to Congress, the State Department said. Washington also removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

The moves further ease restrictions on Syria’s new government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The US said the decisions followed steps taken by the Syrian government to distance itself from international terrorism and cooperate in counterterrorism efforts.

Syria formally joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November and has conducted operations against ISIS, al-Qaida, Hizballah and Iran-aligned groups, according to the State Department. These actions were cited as evidence of a shift in the country’s posture.

The removal follows a June 2025 executive order that terminated the US Syria sanctions programme and the national emergency relating to Syria. That order also directed reviews of other Syria-related sanctions and terrorist designations.

Syria had been designated a state sponsor of terrorism since December 1979. The designation carried restrictions including limits on US foreign assistance, defence exports and sales, dual-use goods and various financial transactions.

The decision is expected to reduce a significant barrier for international businesses considering investment in Syria. The State Department said it would help support private-sector investment, economic recovery and the country’s reintegration into the global economy.

Officials stressed that the removal does not mean all US sanctions on Syria have been lifted. Separate sanctions and restrictions can still apply to specific individuals, entities and activities.

Despite the policy change, the United States continues to advise its citizens not to travel to Syria, citing risks of terrorism, armed conflict, kidnapping and civil unrest.

The move represents one of the most significant shifts in US policy toward Syria in decades and is being closely watched by regional and international partners.

Source: FSX Business News