Archive · 25 Aug 2026
US Removes Syria From 47-Year State Terrorism List
The United States had placed Syria on a list for countries it said supported terrorism in 1979.
The United States has now removed Syria from that list after 47 years.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved the decision after Congress received the required notice.
The United States also removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham from a separate terrorist designation.
American officials said Syria’s government had taken steps against several militant groups.
Syria had also joined an international group fighting ISIS.
Syrian leaders welcomed the decision and thanked US officials.
Removing the designation may make it easier for companies to invest in Syria and for Syria to reconnect with the world economy.
The United States formally rescinded Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism designation after 47 years.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the decision after a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period.
Washington also revoked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
US officials cited Syria’s actions against ISIS, al-Qaida, Hizballah and Iran-aligned groups, along with its participation in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.
Syrian officials called the move a historic milestone that could encourage investment, economic recovery and reintegration into global financial markets.
- Who
- The United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani.
- What
- The United States removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list and revoked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s Specially Designated Global Terrorist designation.
- When
- The decision was announced on Monday local time; the articles also reference posts by Syrian officials on July 8 and July 9.
- Where
- The decision concerns Syria’s status under the United States’ terrorism-designation and sanctions system.
- Why
- US officials cited Syria’s stated commitments and actions to distance itself from international terrorism, while Syrian officials said the change could support investment, reconstruction and economic reintegration.
- Designation ended
- Syria’s State Sponsor of Terrorism classification, imposed in 1979, was rescinded.
- Additional designation
- Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, also referred to as al-Nusrah Front, was removed from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist designation.
- US authorization
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the rescission.
- Required procedure
- The decision followed a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period.
- Security actions cited
- The US said Syria joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and conducted operations against ISIS, al-Qaida, Hizballah and Iran-aligned groups.
- Economic significance
- The US said removing the designations eliminates major barriers to private-sector investment and Syria’s economic reintegration.
- Syrian response
- Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani described the decision as a historic milestone and the closing of a dark chapter.
