The United States has officially removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list as of Monday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described this as a significant step for Syria’s economic recovery and investment opportunities. This decision followed a mandatory 45-day notification period with Congress. President Donald Trump initiated this process in July after affirming that Syria’s government had stopped supporting acts of international terrorism.
Rubio announced the removal of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists as part of this effort. Rubio stated, “President Trump has taken historic steps to enable the Syrian people to pursue prosperity.” Over the last year, the U.S. has worked to alleviate sanctions impacting Syria. A pivotal action in June 2025 was Trump’s executive order facilitating sanctions relief by ending the Syria Sanctions Program.
According to Rubio, these measures reflect confidence in the positive actions and commitments made by Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who took power after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Syria had held its status as a terrorism sponsor since 1979. Recent efforts include joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and disrupting terror networks such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Hizballah, and groups allied with Iran.
Alleviating Syria’s terrorism designation and the HTS’s global terror status clears the path for private-sector investment in Syria and fosters economic recovery. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed hope that this move will reconnect Syria with the global financial system following prolonged conflict.
This development is expected to encourage business and investment in Syria, promoting stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that this aligns with President Trump’s promise to provide sanctions relief, fostering Syria’s reintegration into the global economic community.
The lifting of the terrorism sponsor designation is hailed as a historic moment, returning Syria to its rightful place in the global economic landscape. President Trump also shared a photo on Truth Social showing President al-Sharaa and al-Shibani holding the executive order for sanctions relief.
Other countries currently designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. include Cuba, Iran, and North Korea.