The U.S. government has formally removed Syria from the State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) list, a designation that had been in place for nearly five decades. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the rescission, which effectively lifts long-standing export restrictions and opens the door for potential U.S. military aid to the Syrian government.

In a related move, the administration also delisted Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization previously classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group. HTS is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who was formerly associated with al-Qaeda.

Reports indicate that this policy shift follows recent military tensions, including an Israeli strike on a Syrian military base. While the administration frames the move as a necessary step to clear hurdles for investment and regional engagement, the decision marks a significant departure from previous U.S. foreign policy regarding the Syrian leadership. The Middle East Eye reports that President Trump recently hosted President al-Sharaa at the White House, signaling a formal warming of diplomatic relations between the two nations.