In an unprecedented and decisive move, the United States government officially removed Syria from its list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism.” This decision which Damascus considered the final major legal and international barrier to foreign investment—marks a significant milestone in warming relations between Washington and Syria’s new leadership.
Kabul 24: According to official statements, the decision aligns with U.S. President Donald Trump’s commitment to reduce economic sanctions on Syria. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that today’s action will help drive foreign investment into Syria and solidify its political and economic stability.
Concurrently, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally confirmed the removal on social media, describing it as a key step toward integrating Syria back into the global economy and facilitating private sector participation.
Rubio noted that lifting these restrictions unlocks vital new opportunities for economic recovery and infrastructure renewal.
In tandem with removing Syria from the terrorism list, the State Department revoked the “Foreign Terrorist Organization” designation for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (formerly known as the Nusra Front), while the Treasury Department eased corresponding sanctions. The group, once Al-Qaeda’s official branch in Syria, severed all ties with Al-Qaeda in 2016.
The groundwork for this diplomatic shift began in July when Washington first signaled its intent to revise its posture.
This gesture of confidence by the Trump administration toward Ahmed al-Sharaa, head of the Syrian government, gained momentum following a meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey.
Nevertheless, the Treasury Department stressed that while economic constraints are being eased, the U.S. commitment to global counterterrorism and holding malign actors accountable in the region remains unchanged.
