25.08.2026 06:40
The US has taken a historic step in its relations with Damascus by removing Syria from the list of 'state sponsors of terrorism'. HTS, which overthrew the Assad regime two years ago, was also removed from the 'Global Terrorist Organization' list. The decision aims to lift economic sanctions on Syria and pave the way for investments. While the Syrian government welcomed the decision, only Iran, Cuba, and North Korea remain on the list.
The US State Department also removed the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which overthrew Bashar al-Assad's government in Syria two years ago, from its list of "global terrorist organizations." US President Donald Trump had notified Congress on July 8 that he wanted to remove Syria from the list. With the 45-day official review period expiring, the decision was formalized and announced by the US Treasury Department on August 24. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, "This step will pave the way for additional investments that will increase political and economic stability in Syria."
THANKS FROM DAMASCUS TO WASHINGTON
Ahmed al-Sharaa, President of Syria's transitional government, thanked Trump, saying, "Syria today is casting off a black mark, tearing out a page of its painful past with its own hands, and setting sail toward the field of development, reconstruction, and construction."
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that this step would "open the path to prosperity in Syria," noting that the decision "also removes the last major obstacles in front of private sector investments in Syria, paving the way for Syria's economic recovery and integration with the international system."
OBSTACLES TO SANCTIONS ARE LIFTED
Syria's presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism brought with it severe economic sanctions. Asaad al-Shaibani, Foreign Minister of Syria's transitional government, called Washington's decision a "historic turning point," stating that it "reflects the new Syria's commitment to international peace and security."
Syria had been on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1979. Washington placed the country on the list and imposed economic sanctions, accusing then-Syrian leader Hafez al-Assad of supporting militant groups.
THREE COUNTRIES REMAIN ON THE LIST
Following the latest decision, only Iran, Cuba, and North Korea remain on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
HTS'S PAST
HTS was led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who is now the head of Syria's transitional government. The group, formerly known as the Nusra Front, was previously al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria. In 2016, the group announced that it had cut ties with the jihadist organization.