United States Removes Syria From State Sponsors of Terrorism List

The United States Department of State is expected to formally remove Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list on Monday, ending a designation that has persisted since 1979. The move follows the expiration of a congressional review period on Friday and a prior 45-day notification period.

This policy shift follows the December 2024 collapse of Bashar al-Assad's government and the subsequent rise of the administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa. The decision was further solidified during a meeting between President Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa at a NATO summit in Ankara last month, where the U.S. committed to a broader effort to lift sanctions on the country.

By rescinding the designation, the U.S. government aims to facilitate increased commercial investment and ease existing restrictions on defense sales, U.S. foreign assistance, and the export of dual-use technology. The United States Department of Commerce may issue new guidance regarding export controls related to Syria by the end of the month.