US removes Syria from list of state sponsors of terrorism

The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a move aimed at strengthening Washington's ties with the new government in Damascus. The Syrian government has described the decision as removing the last major obstacle to attracting investment to the country, Reuters reported.

The decision, published on the US Treasury Department website, took effect immediately on August 24. This was preceded by a 45-day review by Congress. In July, President Donald Trump officially notified Congress of his intention to revoke Syria's status.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "these measures were taken due to positive steps by the Syrian government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The Syrian government has committed to completely dissociating the country from international terrorist activities."

Syrian Foreign Minister Asad al-Shaibani told Reuters on August 22 that the removal of the “last obstacle” would help the country reconnect with the global financial and economic system. He said it would also boost investment. “There are no longer any obstacles to investing in Syria, doing business and reviving economic life,” the minister said.

Syria was added to the list in 1979, when Washington accused the government of former President Hafez al-Assad of supporting armed groups. His son Bashar al-Assad later came to power, and the status was retained. In December 2024, rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad. The rebels were led by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The announcement on August 24 also removed the status of a separate international terrorist organization from the Nusra Front. Now, only three countries remain on Washington's list of state sponsors of terrorism: Cuba, Iran and North Korea.

The designation of state sponsors of terrorism imposes restrictions on US foreign aid, defense exports and trade. It also applies to dual-use goods and financial transactions. While Washington has lifted broad sanctions on Syria, the designation has been a major deterrent for banks and investors.

The Trump administration lifted general sanctions on Syria in July 2025. But specific sanctions against Assad and his associates remain in place. Restrictions on human rights abusers, drug traffickers, individuals linked to ISIS, al-Qaeda and Iranian groups also remain in place.

The Syrian government is currently seeking billions of dollars in investment to rebuild the country after nearly 14 years of war. Reuters reported in August that Damascus had agreed to sharply reduce imports of Russian oil. The deal was struck during talks with the United States to remove the terrorist designation.

Trump has increasingly supported al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa was a former commander of al-Qaeda's Nusra Front. He broke ties with the international terrorist network in 2016. He later led the rebel coalition that toppled Assad.

Washington has praised al-Sharaa's government for its cooperation against ISIS. The easing of restrictions would allow Syria to stabilize, attract investment, and rebuild.