Archive · 25 Aug 2026
US Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List After 47 Years
The United States took Syria off a list for countries it said supported terrorism.
Syria had been on that list since 1979.
The change happened after Congress had 45 days to review the decision.
The United States also removed a terrorism designation from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, also called the Nusrah Front.
U.S. officials said Syria’s new government had taken steps to move away from international terrorism.
Syrian officials said the change could make it easier for banks and companies to work with Syria.
They hope this will bring investment and help rebuild the country after years of war.
Some sanctions against specific people and groups will still remain.
Most reports described the designation as lasting 47 years, while one headline called it 46 years.
The United States formally removed Syria from its State Sponsors of Terrorism list after a mandatory 45-day congressional review.
The designation, imposed in 1979, was rescinded after President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 8.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited Syria’s commitments and operations against terrorist networks under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The United States also removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusrah Front, from its Specially Designated Global Terrorist designation.
Syrian officials welcomed the decision as a boost for investment and reconstruction, although targeted U.S. sanctions remain in place.
- Who
- The United States, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Syria’s government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
- What
- The United States rescinded Syria’s State Sponsors of Terrorism designation and removed Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s Specially Designated Global Terrorist designation.
- When
- The action took effect on Monday, August 24, 2026, after a 45-day congressional review; reports were published on August 25, 2026.
- Where
- The decision was posted on the U.S. Treasury’s website and affects Syria’s international financial and economic relationships.
- Why
- Washington cited Syria’s actions and commitments to distance itself from international terrorism, while Syrian officials said the change would support investment, business, and reconstruction.
Syrian Government’s View
U.S. Rationale and Remaining Risks
Investment and reconstruction
Syrian Government’s View
Syrian officials called the removal the last major obstacle to investment, business, global financial connections, and rebuilding economic life.
U.S. Rationale and Remaining Risks
U.S. officials said the decision would remove major barriers to private-sector investment and promote Syria’s economic recovery and reintegration, but targeted sanctions still apply.
Reason for the decision
Syrian Government’s View
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani described the change as a historic milestone and the end of a designation associated with the former regime.
U.S. Rationale and Remaining Risks
The United States said the rescission recognized positive actions and further commitments by Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government to distance Syria from international terrorism.
Conditions and cooperation
Syrian Government’s View
Syria welcomed closer connections with international banks, payment networks, and investors.
U.S. Rationale and Remaining Risks
The decision followed continuing U.S.-Syrian negotiations and was linked to cooperation against terrorist groups and broader Syrian economic and foreign-policy commitments.
- Previous designation
- Syria had been listed as a State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1979.
- Review process
- President Donald Trump notified Congress on July 8, starting a mandatory 45-day review period.
- U.S. rationale
- Marco Rubio cited Syria’s commitments and operations against Islamic State, al-Qaida, Hizballah, and Iran-aligned groups.
- Economic significance
- The rescission removes a major legal and compliance obstacle for private-sector investment and Syria’s economic reintegration.
- Other designated countries
- Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain on the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
- Remaining sanctions
- Targeted sanctions remain against Bashar al-Assad and associates, rights abusers, drug traffickers, Islamic State and al-Qaida affiliates, and Iranian proxies.
- Reported investment interest
- Bank of America discussed potential cooperation with Syria, while Mastercard worked with QNB Group and Syria’s central bank on international card-payment infrastructure.
Sources
Syria Removed From US "State Sponsor of Terrorism" List After 47 Years
US removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list, lifting major investment obstacle
'Will Help Foster Investment': US Lifts Syria From State Sponsors Of Terrorism List After 46 Years
