Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa has officially hailed the removal of his country from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism. In a statement on Monday, the president congratulated the Syrian people on the milestone and expressed his gratitude to US President Donald Trump, as well as to the various regional allies and friends who have supported Damascus throughout the process.
The removal marks the end of a designation that had been in place since 1979. Foreign Minister Asaad al Shaibani also welcomed the development, characterizing it as a historic achievement that signifies a transformation led by the Syrian people. According to al Shaibani, the previous listing was tied to the regime that was ousted in late 2024 and never reflected the true choices or history of the Syrian nation. He emphasized that under the leadership of President al Sharaa, the government remains committed to fostering an environment defined by transparency, mutual respect, and efforts to overcome long-standing international isolation.
US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack described the removal as a decisive step, noting that the designation had long acted as a barrier to the investment and enterprise required for national reconstruction. Barrack stated that the move allows for a transition toward a relationship built on shared security and prosperity, suggesting that with the designation gone, commerce and enterprise can now replace isolation and conflict.
The US State Department formally announced the revocation of the designation, a move also endorsed by the US Treasury Department. The department further confirmed the revocation of the Specially Designated Global Terrorist status for the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). While Damascus views this as a vital step toward global engagement and economic growth, officials noted that certain US restrictions remain subject to separate legal frameworks.
