The United States Treasury has officially removed Syria from its list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism,” marking a significant shift in Washington’s foreign policy. This move, which follows a decision first announced in July, revokes a long-standing designation that had previously restricted US foreign assistance, defense exports, and international financial transactions.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the action is intended to encourage investment in Syria and promote regional political and economic stability. He noted that the decision aligns with President Donald Trump’s commitment to providing sanctions relief to the nation. This development builds upon the lifting of sanctions by the US and the European Union in June 2025.
Alongside the state designation, the US has revoked the “terrorist” classification of the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The group was formerly led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who now serves as the President of Syria. Under al-Sharaa’s leadership, the organization spearheaded a rapid offensive in December 2024 that resulted in the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad. HTS previously functioned as the official Syrian branch of al-Qaeda.
The removal of the terrorism label has been welcomed by Syrian officials as a turning point for the country’s economic future. Safwat Raslan, the governor of Syria’s central bank, described the move on X as a “historic step” that reintegrates the nation into the global financial system, adding that the bank is currently focused on establishing a modern and reliable economic framework.
Syrian Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh echoed these sentiments, characterizing the policy change as a major success for Syrian diplomacy. According to the state-run news agency SANA, Barnieh emphasized that the delisting opens doors for attracting foreign investment, acquiring modern technology, and fostering development opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
Tom Barrack, the US envoy to Syria, framed the end of the designation as a pivotal moment in the country’s transition. He described the shift as a “decisive step in Syria’s remarkable journey from isolation to partnership,” moving the nation from its former status as a source of terrorism to a committed partner in the international effort to combat it. The report also notes that a statement issued on Monday confirmed the revocation of a decades-old designation placed on the country during the rule of the ousted Assad regime. The report also notes that the announcement confirms a decision initially revealed last month. The report also notes that the move, first announced earlier this year pending a review by Congress, removes a critical impediment to investment in Syria, as the country seeks to reestablish itself in the international community and markets.
Source: Al Jazeera
