US removes Syria from state sponsor of terrorism list after 47 years

In late August 2026, the United States removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, ending a designation that had been in place for 47 years. The move lifts a major obstacle to international investment in Syria, which had been subject to strict sanctions and restrictions. Syrian leader al-Sharaa thanked US President Trump for the decision, while the Syrian president said the country was 'shaking off a dark stain' with the removal.