Syria has been removed from the United States’ State Sponsors of Terrorism list, marking a major shift in Washington’s relationship with the country following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The decision ends a designation that had remained in place since 1979 and comes as Syria seeks to rebuild after years of war and economic isolation.
A major change after decades
US President Donald Trump announced the planned removal in July, and the decision took effect after a 45-day congressional review.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the move, describing it as the removal of a painful chapter from the country’s past and an opportunity to focus on development, reconstruction and rebuilding.
The designation had imposed restrictions affecting foreign assistance, defence exports, certain financial transactions and transfers of some dual-use goods.
It also made international companies and banks more cautious about dealing with Syria because of legal and compliance risks.
Why did the US remove Syria?
Syria was placed on the list in 1979, when Washington accused the government of Hafez al-Assad of supporting armed groups opposed to Israel.
The designation remained throughout the rule of his son, Bashar al-Assad, who was overthrown in December 2024 after a prolonged civil war.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision followed formal assurances from al-Sharaa that Syria would not support international terrorism in the future.
Washington has also pointed to cooperation between Syria’s new government and the US against ISIL (ISIS).
Could the move unlock investment?
The removal could make it easier for Syria to reconnect with the international financial and banking system.
Analysts cited in the source said the decision could make trade, investment and diplomatic relations more attractive by reducing some of the restrictions and compliance concerns surrounding the country.
For Syria, this comes at a critical time as it attempts to rebuild infrastructure and revive an economy damaged by years of conflict and sanctions.
Which countries remain on the list?
With Syria’s removal, Cuba, Iran and North Korea are the only countries that remain on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
Iran has been designated since 1984, with Washington accusing Tehran of supporting armed groups across the region.
Cuba was first placed on the list in 1982, removed in 2015 and restored by Trump in 2021.
North Korea has remained on the list since its designation was restored in 2017, after having been removed in 2008.
Syria enters a new chapter
The removal does not end all US sanctions or resolve Syria’s wider political and economic challenges.
However, it represents an important change in how Washington formally treats Damascus.
After years of war, isolation and international restrictions, Syria is now seeking to turn the page and attract trade, investment and reconstruction support.
For the new Syrian leadership, the real test will be whether the change in Washington can translate into tangible economic opportunities and a more stable future for the country.