US removes Syria from ‘state sponsor of terrorism’ list

What the report says

The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to an announcement from the US Treasury. The action also lifts the designation on al-Nusrah Front, later known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly led by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The decision follows an earlier US move to open the way for delisting and comes after Washington had already eased some sanctions on Syria.

Al Jazeera reported that the change ends a long-standing designation imposed during the rule of the ousted Assad government. The Treasury said the step is intended to support further investment and help promote political and economic stability. The move also reduces restrictions tied to the terrorism listing, including limits affecting foreign assistance, defense exports and financial transactions.

The development matters because Syria is trying to reenter regional and global economic channels after years of isolation and conflict. Al Jazeera noted that al-Sharaa has sought to build ties with Western governments, including meetings with US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron. Syrian officials welcomed the decision as a major boost for diplomacy and financial reintegration, while US envoy Tom Barrack described it as part of Syria’s shift from isolation toward partnership.