The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place since 1979 and potentially easing the way for investment and economic ties with the war-torn country.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa described the decision as a historic step and said it would support efforts to rebuild the country after more than a decade of civil war.
The move took effect on Monday after a 45-day review period in Congress. US President Donald Trump had notified lawmakers on July 8 that his administration intended to end the designation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the decision reflected steps taken by al-Sharaa’s government and its commitments to break with international terrorism.
The designation had imposed restrictions on US foreign assistance, defence-related exports and sales, certain dual-use goods and financial transactions. It had also complicated access to international financing and discouraged banks and investors from doing business with Syria.
Syria was placed on the US list during the rule of former President Hafez al-Assad, who Washington accused of supporting armed groups. The designation continued under his son, Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024 by rebels led by al-Sharaa.
The US action also ended the designation of al-Nusrah Front, the group formerly led by al-Sharaa and now known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, as a global terrorist organisation. The group had previously been affiliated with al Qaeda in Syria.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was expected to encourage investment and support political and economic stability in Syria, describing it as part of Trump’s broader pledge to ease sanctions on the country.
The Syrian government welcomed the announcement, saying it would help revive the economy, attract investment and create better conditions for reconstruction and regional stability.
Central bank governor Safwat Raslan called the decision a major step towards reconnecting Syria with the international financial system, while Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh described it as a significant diplomatic achievement.
US envoy to Syria Tom Barrack also welcomed the move, saying it marked a shift in Syria’s relationship with the international community.
Washington’s decision comes as al-Sharaa seeks to strengthen ties with Western governments following years of isolation. His diplomatic outreach has included meetings with Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The United States has also sought to reduce the influence of Iran and Russia in Syria, where both countries maintained significant military and political ties during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.
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