Story perspectives

Rubio Removes Syria From Terrorism Sponsor List

8/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list on Monday.
The delisting followed a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period that received no objection.
Rubio also revoked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the delisting will foster investment and promote stability.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani called the delisting a historic step.

History

Historical Context

In 2006 the United States removed Libya from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list after Muammar Gaddafi renounced weapons of mass destruction, a decision announced by Condoleezza Rice. In August 2026 Secretary of State Marco Rubio notified Congress of Syria’s removal, triggering the required 45-day review and echoing the 2006 Libya precedent as a tool to spur investment and regional stability.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio removed Syria from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list on Monday.
The delisting followed a mandatory 45-day congressional notification period that received no objection.
Rubio also revoked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’s designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the delisting will foster investment and promote stability.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani called the delisting a historic step.

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