The United States formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979. The move followed a 45-day congressional notification period and a review initiated by an executive order signed last year. In a parallel action, the U.S. also revoked the designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—formerly known as the al-Nusra Front—as a specially designated global terrorist organization. The delistings were announced by the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Treasury Department, which cited Syria’s recent political transition and commitments to counter terrorism.
Immediate Impact and Policy Changes
The rescission of Syria’s state sponsor of terrorism designation lifts long-standing restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, defense exports, and certain financial transactions. The Treasury Department stated that the move would eliminate major barriers for private sector investment in Syria, aiming to promote economic recovery and reintegration into the global economy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement that the action aligns with President Trump’s pledge to provide sanctions relief to Syria. The State Department emphasized that the delisting does not alter the U.S. commitment to countering global terrorism or holding accountable individuals or groups involved in terrorist activities.
Official Rationale and Statements
Secretary of State Marco Rubio framed the decision as recognition of Syria’s progress under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed office after the overthrow of the Assad regime in 2024. Rubio stated that the Syrian government had taken significant steps to distance itself from acts of international terrorism and expressed confidence that the move would foster political and economic stability. The Treasury Department similarly noted that the actions were taken in recognition of positive actions and further commitments by the Syrian government to counter terrorism.
Domestic and International Reactions
Officials in Damascus welcomed the delisting as a major opportunity for Syria, which remains economically devastated following more than a decade of conflict that rights groups say resulted in the deaths of more than 500,000 people. The Syrian government has framed the move as a vote of confidence in its efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country. The delisting leaves Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the only remaining countries on the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list.
Background and Historical Context
Syria was first designated as a state sponsor of terrorism in 1979, alongside Libya, Iraq, and South Yemen. Libya was removed from the list in 2006, Iraq was delisted in 1982 and again in 2004, and South Yemen was removed upon unification in 1990. Sudan, added in 1993, was removed in 2020 following its normalization of relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords. Iran has held the longest uninterrupted designation on the list since 1984, following the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent 444-day hostage crisis at the U.S. embassy in Tehran.
Policy Implications and Future Considerations
The removal of Syria from the state sponsor of terrorism list marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the country, reflecting a broader effort to engage with the post-Assad government. Analysts note that the move could facilitate increased international investment and aid, though concerns remain about Syria’s ongoing human rights record and the presence of armed groups within its borders. The U.S. has stressed that while the delisting removes certain sanctions, it retains tools to address counterterrorism and accountability, including targeted measures against individuals or entities involved in terrorism.