DistantNews
Support us
Syria removed from US list of state terror sponsors
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Syria removed from US list of state terror sponsors

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, easing sanctions.
  • This decision follows positive measures and commitments from the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to distance itself from international terrorism.
  • The move aims to facilitate international business and banking in Syria, potentially aiding economic recovery.

In a significant policy shift, the United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation it held since 1979. This move is accompanied by the easing of associated sanctions, which are expected to make it easier for international firms and banks to conduct business in the war-torn country.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced the decision, stating it aligns with President Donald Trump's commitment to provide sanctions relief to Syria. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly acknowledged the Syrian government's "positive measures and commitments" to fully distance itself from international terrorism under the leadership of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani expressed hope that this removal would help reintegrate Syria into the global financial system and remove obstacles to investment and economic reconstruction.

The decision honors the positive measures and commitments of the Syrian government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa to fully distance itself from international terrorism.

— Marco RubioThe U.S. Secretary of State commented on the Syrian government's actions that led to the delisting.

This development is part of a broader trend of U.S. engagement with Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government late last year. The U.S. State Department had previously informed Congress in July of its intention to delist Syria, framing it as an "opportunity for reconstruction." The decision also includes lifting the designation of the HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), formerly led by al-Sharaa, and its predecessor Al-Nusra Front as global terrorist organizations.

Previously, being listed as a state sponsor of terrorism imposed stringent sanctions, including restrictions on U.S. foreign aid, bans on arms exports, and export controls. With Syria now off the list, alongside Cuba, North Korea, and Iran remaining, the path appears clearer for international economic activity and rebuilding efforts within the country.

hope that the removal of this last obstacle will reintegrate Syria into the global financial system.

— Asaad al-ShibaniThe Syrian Foreign Minister expressed his government's expectations following the U.S. decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog