The US Department of State announced on 24/8 that Syria has been removed from the "state sponsors of terrorism" list. Additionally, al-Nusra Front, now known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), was delisted as a "global terrorist organization." Concurrently, the US Department of the Treasury unveiled corresponding sanction relief measures.

This action terminates sanctions the US imposed on Syria since 1979. "The measures taken today will help boost investment in Syria, enhancing political and economic stability," stated US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

President Trump (left) and interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in 11/2025. *Photo: SANA*

The US Department of the Treasury affirmed these moves align with President Donald Trump's commitment to easing sanctions on Syria. However, the department emphasized that lifting restrictions does not alter its stance on global counter-terrorism efforts and its commitment to holding harmful actors in Syria accountable.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said removing Syria and HTS from these lists offers the Syrian people "a path toward prosperity." According to him, this step "eliminates the last major barriers to private sector investment in Syria, promoting economic recovery and Syria's reintegration into the global economy."

Syrian leaders welcomed the US action, viewing it as a significant opportunity for a country still suffering severe economic damage after over a decade of civil war.

Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani described the US decision as a "historic milestone," reflecting the new Syrian state's commitment to international peace and security. Finance Minister Mohammed Barnieh called the decision "a success for Syrian diplomacy."

Syrians gathered in Hama city to celebrate the lifting of sanctions by some Western countries in 12/2025. *Photo: AFP*

HTS was formerly an affiliate of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization but severed ties in 2016.

In 12/2024, HTS-led rebels overthrew former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa subsequently became interim President as Syria rebuilt after more than 13 years of civil war. Human rights organizations estimate the conflict caused over 500.000 deaths.

Last month, the US announced its intention to remove Syria from the state sponsors of terrorism list, a move seen as a vote of confidence for Sharaa. President Trump met with Syria's interim President on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Turkey that same month.

By Huyen Le (AFP)