US Removes Syria from Terrorism List Following Historic Meeting in Ankara

The United States has officially removed Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list and lifted the terrorist designation previously imposed on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). The significant policy announcement was made on Tuesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who pointed to positive steps taken by the Syrian government as the primary justification for the decision.

This diplomatic milestone followed a high-level encounter on July 8, 2026, at the Bestepe Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey. On the sidelines of a NATO summit, US President Donald Trump held a face-to-face meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara to discuss bilateral relations and regional stability.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Shara previously led an affiliate organisation of al-Qaeda, specifically operating as al-Nusra Front, before leading HTS. In late 2024, forces under Shara's command launched a major rebel offensive that successfully overthrew the long-standing government of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Following the removal of Syria from the US blacklist, the official list of state sponsors of terrorism maintained by Washington now includes only three remaining nations: Cuba, North Korea, and Iran.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent remarked on the economic implications of the policy change, stating that today's measure will help facilitate additional investments to boost Syria's political and economic stability. Meanwhile, Syrian official Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani emphasized that the government will continue working to overcome the impacts of past isolation and build an environment rooted in transparency, mutual interests, and respect.