Syria Delisted, HTS Removed From Sanctions

The United States formally removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and delisted Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist after a 45-day congressional notification period, ending a designation that had existed since 1979. Officials say the move eliminates final barriers to private-sector investment and supports Syria’s economic recovery and reconstruction under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The decision follows Syria’s distancing from international terrorism and actions such as joining the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, as part of broader sanctions-relief measures. However, victims of state-sponsored terrorism and ongoing lawsuits, including the US Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund claims and the ADL lawsuit related to October 7, remain awaiting clarity on compensation and accountability. The change could shift regional dynamics by encouraging Gulf and other countries to invest and by signaling a policy shift that may affect Israel-Syria security considerations, though concrete outcomes depend on future steps and proof of sustained reform. Analysts view this as a significant move toward normalization and a test of the Sharaa government’s ability to deliver on promises of stability and reconstruction.