US Removes Syria from Terrorism Sponsor List

The United States Department of State removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism on 24 August 2026. The designation had remained in force since 29 December 1979. The Department of State also revoked the designation of the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation on the same date.

State Sponsors of Terrorism List

The State Sponsors of Terrorism list is a United States foreign policy tool used by the Department of State. It is linked to restrictions on foreign assistance, defence exports, and certain financial transactions. The list is separate from the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Office of Foreign Assets Control and Sanctions Relief

OFAC removed HTS from its SDN List and revoked Syria General License 25 on 24 August 2026. General licences are authorisations issued by OFAC for specified transactions that would otherwise be prohibited under sanctions rules. The 45-day congressional review period began after Secretary of State Marco Rubio notified Congress on 8 July 2026.

Syria’s Political Context

The policy change followed the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 by rebel forces. A new government was established under HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who became president. In July 2026, United States President Donald Trump met Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey.

Important Facts for Exams

• Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria have been listed by the United States as State Sponsors of Terrorism at different points in time.
• OFAC functions under the United States Department of the Treasury and administers economic and trade sanctions.
• The SDN List includes persons, entities, and organisations whose assets are blocked under United States sanctions programmes.
• Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham is also known as the al-Nusrah Front in United States sanctions records.

Current Status of US Terrorism Sponsor Designations

After Syria’s removal on 24 August 2026, the United States listed Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the remaining State Sponsors of Terrorism. The 1979 Syria designation had lasted for nearly 47 years.