US finally removes Syria from terrorism sponsor list

Following a 45-day congressional notification period, the United States has officially removed Syria from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this measure on Monday, highlighting it as a significant step towards promoting Syria's economic recovery and reintegration into the global community.

Rubio praised Syria for its involvement in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and for conducting operations against ISIS, al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Iran-aligned groups. This designation removal clears the remaining major obstacles to private-sector investment, according to Rubio. In June 2025, President Trump had directed sanctions relief to Syria due to positive changes and counterterrorism efforts implemented by the government.

The US has increasingly supported Syria under President al-Sharaa, who has pledged to continue fighting international terrorism, foreign fighters, and ISIS. In November, the UN Security Council lifted sanctions on al-Sharaa, acknowledging his commitment to united action against terrorism and human rights protection.