---
title: "US drops Syria from state terror list, clearing path for investors"
url: https://radiomoldova.md/p/83746/us-drops-syria-from-state-terror-list-clearing-path-for-investors
published: 2026-08-25T07:10:00Z
language: en
author: "Liubomir Guțu"
section: "International"
source: radiomoldova.md
---

# US drops Syria from state terror list, clearing path for investors

> The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, dismantling a major barrier to foreign investment as Washington deepens diplomatic ties with Damascus's new administration. The decision, published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, entered into force following the conclusion of a mandatory 45-day congressional review period.

![](https://storage.radiomoldova.md/images/56f00040-2865-4dc0-a202-032b90796fe6.jpg)

The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, dismantling a major barrier to foreign investment as Washington deepens diplomatic ties with Damascus's new administration. The decision, published by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, entered into force following the conclusion of a mandatory 45-day congressional review period.

*"These actions were taken in recognition of positive actions and further commitments by the Syrian government, under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, to fully distance Syria from acts of international terrorism,"* stated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani told Reuters that Damascus hopes removing this *"final obstacle"* will reconnect the nation to global financial markets and spur foreign direct investment.

**Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain designated**

Syria had been listed as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1979, when Washington sanctioned the government of former President Hafez al-Assad for backing militant groups. The status remained throughout the rule of his son, Bashar al-Assad, who was ousted in December 2024 by forces led by current President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

The U.S. measure also revoked the global terrorist designation for the al-Nusra Front, leaving Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the only three countries designated by Washington as state sponsors of terrorism. The al-Nusra Front operated as an Islamist paramilitary organization during the Syrian Civil War before breaking previous affiliations.

**Easing financial and banking restrictions**

The state sponsor designation historically carried severe prohibitions on U.S. foreign aid, defense exports, dual-use technology transfers, and financial transactions. The status remained a major deterrent for international commercial lenders and corporate investors.

The Trump administration lifted broad economic sanctions against Syria in July 2025 while maintaining targeted measures against Assad associates, human rights abusers, narcotics traffickers, and terror affiliates.

Following the latest delisting, the U.S. Treasury clarified that American financial institutions may provide services in Syria, process transactions involving Syrian banks, and establish correspondent banking ties, provided designated individuals are not involved.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**