US Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List
The United States has formally removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979. The move removes major legal and financial restrictions and could help Damascus attract international investment as it rebuilds after years of war.
US Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List
The decision took effect on August 24 after a 45-day congressional review period expired without blocking the move.
President Donald Trump had formally notified Congress in July of his intention to revoke Syria’s designation following talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
The classification had subjected Syria to restrictions involving US foreign assistance, defence exports, certain financial transactions and international investment.
Syria Sanctions Relief Opens Door for Investment
US officials said removing the designation would help encourage private investment and support Syria’s economic and political stabilisation.
Damascus has welcomed the decision, arguing that the terrorism designation was one of the biggest remaining obstacles preventing Syria from reconnecting with global financial institutions and attracting capital needed for reconstruction.
The move follows the overthrow of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and the establishment of a new government led by al-Sharaa.
US Also Removes HTS Terror Designation
Washington has also revoked the terrorist designation applied to al-Nusrah Front, later known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).
Al-Sharaa previously led HTS before becoming Syria’s president following Assad’s removal. The group had earlier broken ties with al-Qaeda.
The latest decisions represent a significant shift in US policy towards Damascus and deepen the diplomatic rapprochement between Washington and Syria’s post-Assad government.
