US Delists Syria as Terror Sponsor in Major Diplomatic Shift

Email:online@newsofbahrain.com

Washington: The United States has officially removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending nearly 47 years of severe diplomatic and financial isolation.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed the move as a historic turning point, stating that the nation is turning the page on its painful past to focus on economic recovery, investment, and reconstruction following 14 years of civil war. The decision took effect after a 45-day congressional review period that followed US President Donald Trump’s formal notification to lawmakers in July. Alongside the state delisting, Washington revoked the global terrorist designation for al-Nusrah Front, the group formerly led by al-Sharaa before it broke ties with al-Qaeda.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasised that the move recognizes Syria’s commitments to distance itself from international terrorism while fostering stability. Analysts note that lifting the 1979 designation removes a major legal barrier for international banks and global investors, while strategically aligning with US efforts to pull Damascus away from Russian and Iranian influence.