US removes Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list

On Monday, the United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a decades-long designation that hindered investment. The Department of the Treasury also lifted its designation of the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a global terrorist organization, allowing for sanctions relief.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed that this move would contribute to fostering investment in Syria, promoting political and economic stability. The Treasury Department's actions aligned with President Donald Trump's promise to provide sanctions relief to Syria. However, the agency clarified that this removal of restrictions on Syria does not alter its stance on countering global terrorism and its commitment to hold accountable those involved in terrorist activities.

HTS was formerly known as Al-Nusra Front and had severed ties with Al-Qaeda in Syria in 2016, seeking to improve its image. The U.S. announced the delisting of Syria as a state sponsor of terrorism in July, which was considered a vote of confidence in President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This decision came as Trump met with Sharaa during a NATO summit in Turkey, following the 2024 ousting of the Assad dynasty, which had ruled with an iron fist for half a century.