US Removes Syria from State Sponsors of Terrorism List After 47 Years

The United States announced on Monday the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation it had held since 1979. The decision, which follows years of economic isolation and conflict, aims to encourage private investment and Syria’s reintegration into the global economy. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the move reflects Syria’s efforts to distance itself from international terrorism, including the recent severing of ties by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and his former militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), from al-Qaeda.

The Trump administration has increasingly engaged with al-Sharaa, a former militant leader once targeted by a U.S. bounty, signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward Syria. HTS, previously known as the al-Nusra Front, was also removed from the U.S. list of global terrorist organizations in late 2024 after it played a key role in the rebel offensive that ended Bashar al-Assad’s presidency. The group now dominates the transitional administration led by al-Sharaa, who has sought to distance himself from jihadist networks.

U.S. officials framed the decision as an opportunity to bring Syria into its sphere of influence rather than those of Russia or China. However, significant challenges remain, including ongoing security risks, the absence of a representative government, and regional tensions, particularly between Israel and Turkey. Rubio emphasized that the move would provide Syria with a "path to prosperity," while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the potential for increased investment to bolster political and economic stability.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani welcomed the decision, calling it a "historic step" through the state-run news agency SANA. He pledged to continue efforts to lift Syria’s isolation and foster an environment based on transparency and mutual respect.

Syria’s removal from the terrorism list leaves only three countries—Cuba, North Korea, and Iran—still designated as state sponsors of terrorism by the U.S. The listing imposes financial sanctions, restrictions on U.S. foreign aid and defense exports, and penalties on those who trade with the sanctioned state.

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