The United States formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, a decision announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This move is aimed at eliminating significant barriers to investment and economic recovery in Syria. Rubio authorized the formal rescission after a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period came to an end.
President Donald Trump initiated this process in July, notifying Congress after confirming that Syria’s government had ceased its support for international terrorism. Rubio also announced the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
“This decision marks another historic step by President Trump to offer the Syrian people a pathway to prosperity,” Rubio stated.
Washington has taken substantial measures over the past year to alleviate sanctions on Syria. Rubio highlighted Trump’s executive order from June 2025 titled “Providing for the Revocation of Syria Sanctions,” which facilitated sanctions relief by terminating the Syria Sanctions Program and the national emergency concerning Syria. This order also directed reviews of other Syria-related sanctions and terrorist designations.
Rubio praised the positive actions and further commitments by the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to distance Syria from terrorism. Al-Sharaa ascended to power in December 2024 after ousting President Bashar al-Assad with HTS rebels’ aid. Syria had been listed among State Sponsors of Terrorism since 1979, particularly during al-Assad’s regime.
Syria’s recent steps to combat terrorism include formally joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in November and executing operations against networks affiliated with ISIS, al-Qa’ida, Hizballah, and Iran-aligned groups. Rubio emphasized that lifting Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, along with HTS’ delisting, removes significant obstacles for private-sector investment in Syria, bolstering its economic recovery and global reintegration.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed optimism about regaining Syria’s links to the global financial system. He told Reuters that removing the terrorism designation fosters opportunities for investment, economic activity, and political stability. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed these sentiments, aligning the actions with President Trump’s pledge to provide sanctions relief to Syria.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Syria described the removal of the terrorism designation as a “historic step,” reinstating Syria’s position in the global economic system. President Trump also shared a photo on Truth Social of al-Sharaa and al-Shibani holding the executive order that directed sanctions relief.
Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain the three countries identified by Washington as state sponsors of terrorism.
Emma Bussey is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox, she worked at The Telegraph.
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