The State of U.S. Relations with State Sponsors of Terrorism

2 hours ago 0

The U.S. State Department has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision followed a congressional review after the overthrow of Syria’s former government. The move signals improving relations between Washington and Damascus after the December 2024 takeover by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Al-Sharaa, once a U.S.-designated terrorist, saw this label rescinded in November 2025, shortly before his visit to the White House. The formal removal was published in the Federal Register on December 1.

Positive Developments in Syria

Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Syria’s distancing from international terrorism under al-Sharaa. These steps are seen as a significant shift in Syria’s stance. The removal allows for lifting certain sanctions that had been in place. Libya was removed in 2006, Iraq was removed twice by 2004, and South Yemen was removed upon unification in 1990. Sudan was delisted in 2020 after agreeing to establish ties with Israel.

Remaining U.S.-Designated State Sponsors of Terrorism

Iran: Designated in 1984, Iran remains under sanctions due to support for groups like Hezbollah. Relations fluctuated with the 2015 nuclear deal but have been tense since its abandonment in 2018. A Trump-led military initiative against Iran has intensified current hostilities.
Cuba: Initially listed in 1982, Cuba faced accusations of supporting revolutionary movements. Although Obama normalized relations in 2015, Trump relisted Cuba in 2021. Current policies are stringent, particularly after Trump’s return to office.
North Korea: North Korea was added in 1988 after terrorist incidents were linked to it. Removed in 2008 in exchange for nuclear concessions, it was relisted in 2017 following hostile activities. While Trump engaged in diplomacy, tensions remain, despite ongoing discussions.

The shifting dynamics of these relationships show the complexity of international policy. With Syria’s removal, only three nations remain on the list, highlighting ongoing global security challenges.