25.08.2026 08:10
The US Department of the Treasury announced that Syria has been officially removed from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism," on which it had been since 1979. Washington also lifted the terrorist organization designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). Following this development, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani said, "This designation was never the choice of the Syrian people; nor was it befitting of Syria and its history."
The US Treasury Department announced that Syria has been officially removed from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism," in line with President Donald Trump's shift in Syria policy. With this decision, Syria has been removed from the said list after 47 years.
In the Treasury Department's statement, it was reported that Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was also removed from the "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT) status.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), affiliated with the US Treasury Department, also removed HTS from the "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List."
THE PATH FOR THE DECISION WAS OPENED IN JULY
The US administration announced its intention to remove Syria from the "state sponsors of terrorism" list in a notification to Congress in July. Following the congressional review process, the decision became official.
This status had caused significant restrictions on US foreign aid, defense exports, and certain financial transactions with Syria.
FOREIGN MINISTER AL-SHIBAANI: IT REFLECTS THE COMMITMENT OF THE NEW SYRIAN STATE TO PEACE AND SECURITY
Al-Shibaani made a statement on his social media account regarding Syria's removal from the US "State Sponsors of Terrorism" list after 47 years. In his statement, Al-Shibaani said:
"We congratulate the Syrian people on this historic milestone, as Syria has been removed from the 'State Sponsors of Terrorism' list after 47 years under a designation associated with the policies and practices of the former regime. This designation was never a choice of the Syrian people; nor did it befit Syria or its history. This step is the result of the transformation carried out by the Syrian people and reflects the new Syrian state's commitment to international peace and security, as well as to cooperation and partnership with the United States and countries around the world.
Under the leadership of President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, we will continue our efforts to overcome the legacy of isolation and establish an environment based on transparency, mutual interests, and respect, in order to support development and stability in Syria and the region. We extend our sincere thanks to President Donald Trump, Secretary of State and our friend Marco Rubio, Ambassador and our friend Thomas Barrack, the US administration, members of Congress, and everyone who made this historic step possible."