US removes Syria from 'state sponsors of terrorism' list

The United States officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism on Monday, August 24, 2026, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979. This decision, formalized by the US Department of State and the Treasury Department, marks a notable shift in American foreign policy towards the Middle Eastern nation.

The delisting follows a 45-day congressional review period initiated in July 2026 by President Donald Trump's administration, fulfilling a commitment to deliver sanctions relief to Syria. This move comes after significant changes in Syria, including the ousting of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and the subsequent leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former leader of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which also had its terrorist designation revoked.

The removal of Syria from the terrorism list is anticipated to encourage foreign investment and promote political and economic stability within the country, by lifting decades of severe economic restrictions and facilitating its reintegration into the international financial system. Following this action, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.