The United States has removed Syria from its list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism,” marking a major shift in Washington’s policy toward the country following more than a decade of civil war.
The decision took effect on Monday after a 45-day congressional review period. US President Donald Trump had formally notified Congress on July 8 of his intention to end the decades-old designation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision reflected steps taken by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and further commitments to distance Syria from international terrorism.
Syria Welcomes the Decision
President Ahmed al-Sharaa described the move as a “historic” decision and thanked Trump for the action.
He said the decision would allow Syria to turn the page on its troubled past and focus on development, reconstruction and rebuilding the country.
Syria had been on the US terrorism list since 1979, when Washington accused the government of former President Hafez al-Assad of supporting armed groups.
The designation continued during the rule of his son, Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown by rebel forces led by al-Sharaa in December 2024.
What Does the Removal Mean?
Being designated a state sponsor of terrorism imposed significant restrictions on Syria, including limits on:
US foreign assistance
Defence exports and sales
Certain dual-use goods
Financial transactions
The designation also made international banks and investors reluctant to engage with Syria, even after Washington began dismantling broader sanctions against the country.
The removal could therefore make it easier for Syria to attract foreign investment, access international financial channels and obtain certain goods and technologies.
US Seeks to Reduce Iranian and Russian Influence
The decision also has broader geopolitical implications.
US officials and analysts see the policy shift as an opportunity to encourage Syria to move away from the influence of Iran and Russia, which had maintained strong relationships with the former Assad government.
The move could also give al-Sharaa’s administration greater international legitimacy as it seeks to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties with Western nations.
Al-Nusrah Front Designation Also Revoked
Washington also revoked the designation of al-Nusrah Front, the group formerly led by al-Sharaa and also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a global terrorist organisation.
The group had previously been associated with al-Qaeda in Syria.
The decision represents another significant step in the US engagement with al-Sharaa’s government.
Washington Sees Opportunity for Investment
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision could encourage additional investment in Syria and help promote political and economic stability.
He described the move as being consistent with President Trump’s commitment to providing sanctions relief to Syria.
Damascus Calls It a New Chapter
Syria’s Foreign Ministry described the US decision as an important turning point in the country’s international relations.
The ministry said the move could support economic recovery, reconstruction and stability in Syria and the wider region.
Syria’s central bank governor Safwat Raslan called the decision a historic step toward restoring Syria’s position within the global economic system.
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh also described it as a major diplomatic success that could help Syria attract investment, modern technologies and development opportunities.
US Envoy Welcomes Syria’s Shift
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack welcomed the removal, describing it as a major step in Syria’s transition from international isolation toward partnership.
He said the country was moving from being viewed as a source of terrorism toward becoming a partner in international efforts against terrorism.
