United States formally removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism list

The United States formally removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) on Monday, rescinding a 47-year-old designation that subjected the country to severe economic sanctions and international trade restrictions.

The U.S. Department of State simultaneously revoked the designation of former rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously known as al-Nusra Front, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, unlocking broad sanctions relief.

Why did the United States remove Syria from the terrorism blacklist?

The formal delisting follows the expiration of a mandatory 45-day congressional review period triggered in July after President Donald Trump met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the action recognizes the Syrian government's significant commitments to distance itself from international terrorism and eliminate terror networks affiliated with ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Hezbollah.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the move fulfills administration promises to unlock trade and private sector capital for Syria. By removing restrictions under the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations, Washington has eliminated the primary legal hurdle preventing international corporations and banking institutions from participating in the reconstruction of Syria's economy following more than a decade of civil war.

According to reporting by Al-Monitor, the Commerce Department is scheduled to issue updated export control guidance, easing access to dual-use technologies, software, and industrial machinery essential for rebuilding infrastructure.

How did Syrian leadership react to the U.S. sanctions relief?

Top officials in Damascus hailed the formal delisting as a historic turning point for Syria's economic recovery and international standing. Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani characterized Washington's announcement as a decisive milestone that reflects the new administration's commitment to international peace, security, and regional reintegration.

Anadolu Agency reported statements from Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Safwat Raslan, who noted that reconnecting Damascus to the global financial system will accelerate stabilization efforts, attract foreign direct investment, and support long-term national development goals.