Trump administration withdraws punishments and “terrorist” status from Syria

The United States government revoked this Monday (Aug. 24, 2026) Syria’s status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. The decision was formalized by the State Department and announced in an official statement from the Treasury Department. Here is the full text (PDF, in English – 235 kB).

The move also removed the designation of the group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, known as al-Nusra Front, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization. The group was also removed from the OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control) List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons.

IMPACT OF REPEAL

Syria’s classification as a State Sponsor of Terrorism imposed restrictions on US foreign assistance, defense exports and financial transactions with the country.

The removal of the al-Nusra Front designation allows American citizens and companies to carry out transactions with the group without needing prior authorization from OFAC.

The initial announcement of the measure had been made on July 8 by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, through a letter sent to the Syrian interim president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, after the meeting between the two leaders in Ankara, Turkey, where a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) summit was held.

Al-Sharaa has ruled Syria since the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024.

“Lifting sanctions against Syria will unlock international trade and investment, give Syria the chance to rebuild itself, and open a new chapter for the Syrian people.”Rubio said at the time.