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The United States on Monday removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a decades-old designation that imposed severe economic restrictions on the country.
The US Department of State also revoked the designation of al-Nusra Front, later known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, as a global terrorist organisation, while the Treasury Department announced corresponding sanctions relief.
The move marks another significant step towards improved relations between Washington and Damascus following the overthrow of long-time Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Rebels led by HTS toppled Assad after more than 13 years of civil war, with the group’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, subsequently becoming president as Syria embarked on a difficult rebuilding process.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was expected to encourage investment in Syria and support political and economic stability.
“Today’s action will help foster additional investment in Syria to promote political and economic stability,” Bessent said.
The Treasury Department said the measures were consistent with President Donald Trump’s pledge to provide sanctions relief to Syria, but stressed that the decision did not change Washington’s commitment to combating terrorism.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the delistings would give Syrians “a path to prosperity”, adding that the decision removed major barriers to private-sector investment and Syria’s reintegration into the global economy.
HTS was previously known as al-Nusra Front and had been affiliated with al-Qaeda in Syria before breaking ties with the jihadist organisation in 2016.
Washington had announced in July its intention to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, a move viewed as a major show of confidence in al-Sharaa’s administration.
Syrian officials welcomed the decision, with Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani describing it as a “historic milestone” that reflected what he called the new Syrian state’s commitment to international peace and security.
Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh described the development as a success for Syrian diplomacy, saying it could help the country attract investment and modern technology while strengthening its integration into the global financial system.
Central bank chief Safwat Raslan also welcomed the decision, saying the institution was working towards building a modern financial system capable of taking advantage of the new opportunities.
