Marco Rubio says Syria off terror-sponsor list after "positive actions and further commitments"

On August 24, the Trump administration stripped Syria of its U.S. terrorism-sponsor label, a status it had carried since 1979, easing penalties and permitting Syrian access to global banking. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained the move by citing constructive steps and promises from Damascus to abandon terrorism. Washington also removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham — a former al-Qaeda-linked group now in Syria’s transitional government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa — from a terrorist list. President Trump posted an image of Syrian officials holding the order. The administration expects the change to aid rebuilding; World Bank estimates put reconstruction at $216 billion. U.S. envoy Tom Barrack called it a new chapter in bilateral relations. Some lawmakers voiced worries about Russia’s influence and Syria’s government makeup. Cuba, Iran, and North Korea remain on the list.