US removes Syria's designation as State Sponsor of Terrorism
The move clears legal barriers for banks and investors as Washington says Damascus has taken steps to counter terrorism and stabilize the country.
- On Monday, the State Department officially removed Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list and revoked the terrorist designation of the Nusrah Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, fulfilling President Trump's commitment to the post-Assad government.
- President Trump met Ahmed al-Sharaa in Ankara in July and notified Congress of his intent to rescind the designation, triggering a 45-day review period; the terrorism listing had remained a major deterrent for banks and investors despite comprehensive sanctions ending in July 2025.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action fosters additional investment in Syria, while American financial institutions can now provide services to Syrian banks provided sanctioned parties are not involved; Mastercard and Bank of America have already begun preparing payment infrastructure.
- Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told Reuters on Saturday that the government hoped removing what he called the 'last obstacle' would help reconnect Syria to the global financial system; "There is no longer any obstacle to investment, doing business and rebuilding economic life in Syria," he said.
- Negotiations between Damascus and Washington included Syrian commitments to drastically reduce Russian oil imports according to sources familiar with the talks, while the United States continues to designate Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the three countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
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Syria benefits from further sanction relief from the Trump administration. For international companies and banks, business is now likely to become easier there.
The US government continues to ease its sanctions against Syria – the country is no longer regarded as a supporter of terrorism, facilitating foreign investment in the reconstruction of the country.
Syria removed from US State Sponsor of Terrorism list after 47 years - The Tribune
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that he authorised the rescission after the mandatory 45-day Congressional notification period. The US also removed "Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham's" (HTS) designation as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" (SDGT).
Radio France Internationale
US removes Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list
The US Department of State also revoked its designation of al-Nusra Front -- latterly known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) -- as a global terrorist organization. The Treasury Department announced corresponding sanctions relief. Rebels led by HTS overthrew long-time Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, with the group's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa taking over as president as the country rebuilds after more than 13 years of civil war. "Today'…
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