US removes Syria from list of state sponsors of terrorism

The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation it held since 1979. The decision, announced by Washington in July, officially took effect after a mandatory 45-day review period in Congress.

This move signifies a step toward normalizing relations between Washington and Damascus. The removal from the list lifts associated restrictions, impacting areas such as U.S. foreign aid, defense exports, and certain financial transactions. The U.S. Treasury Department had previously announced a relaxation of sanctions against Syria in November 2025.

Despite the delisting, the U.S. will maintain targeted sanctions. These will continue to apply to specific individuals and organizations connected to the former Bashar al-Assad regime, as well as to terrorist groups and other entities. The U.S. aims to balance diplomatic shifts with continued pressure on specific actors.