In a seismic shift for international relations, the United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation that has stood for nearly 50 years. This landmark decision, authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio following a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period, effectively dismantles the final significant obstacles hindering investment and economic recovery in war-torn Syria. The move, initiated by President Donald Trump after confirming the Syrian government’s cessation of supporting international terrorism, also includes the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). This action is framed by the administration as a crucial step toward enabling the Syrian people to achieve prosperity, building on previous measures like the June 2025 executive order that accelerated sanctions relief. The Syrian government, now led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa who ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, has been recognized for its efforts to distance itself from international terrorism, including joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and conducting operations against terrorist networks. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani hailed the decision as a vital step in restoring Syria’s global financial ties and encouraging post-war rebuilding, stating that “There is no longer any obstacle to investment, doing business and rebuilding economic life in Syria.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the move aligns with Trump’s commitment to sanctions relief and will foster political and economic stability. The Central Bank of Syria described the delisting as a “historic step that returns it to its natural place within the global economic system.” This development leaves Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the only countries currently designated by the US as state sponsors of terrorism.
Adapted from: Latest World News on Fox News
