US Lifts Syria’s Terror Designation After 47 Years
The United States on Monday formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after 47 years, clearing a major obstacle to American investment and trade as President Donald Trump deepens ties with Syria’s new government.
The move took effect after a congressional review period expired Friday without lawmakers blocking the decision. Syria had been on the State Department’s terrorism list since 1979, alongside Iran, North Korea and Cuba.
Trump reposted Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani’s announcement celebrating the decision. Shaibani thanked Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack, saying Syria had closed a “dark chapter” tied to the former regime.
The designation had restricted U.S. foreign assistance, defense sales and exports of certain goods and technology. Its removal could ease American investment as Syria rebuilds after years of civil war, particularly for technology companies facing special export licenses.
The administration notified Congress after Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa last month on the sidelines of the NATO summit. Sharaa, a former rebel leader once designated a U.S. terrorist, led the coalition that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
Trump has embraced Sharaa’s government as an opportunity to stabilize Syria and restore its economy. During their first meeting in May 2025, Trump pledged to remove U.S. sanctions accumulated under Assad.
The administration has since eased export controls, revoked the terrorist designation of Sharaa’s former militant group and worked with Congress to repeal Caesar Act sanctions.
The Commerce Department could issue further Syria export-control guidance by the end of August, though the process could take longer, a U.S. official said.
