Updated: U.S. Lifts Terror Designation From Syrian Rebel Faction \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Trump administration has revoked the terrorism designation for Syria’s new ruling group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The move signals a shift in U.S. policy following Bashar Assad’s ouster and aims to support Syria’s reconstruction. Trump also eased economic sanctions, calling the new leadership deserving of a chance.
Quick Looks
- U.S. removes terrorism label from Syria’s ruling group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms move, effective Tuesday
- Decision follows ouster of Bashar Assad and rise of Ahmad al-Sharaa
- Trump signs executive order easing economic sanctions on Syria
- Revocation seen as support for new Syrian government’s reforms
- Al-Nusrah Front, formerly tied to al-Qaida, renamed in 2017
- U.S. maintains sanctions on Assad-era figures and military institutions
- Netanyahu praises U.S. pivot toward potential Syrian peace
Deep Look
In a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, the Trump administration has revoked the foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation for the Syrian group now leading the country following the ouster of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad. The move is part of a broader strategy to re-engage with Syria’s transitional government and support regional stabilization efforts after more than a decade of brutal civil war.
A New Chapter for Syria
The decision was announced Monday in a statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted that the revocation, effective Tuesday, “recognizes the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government” under President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The newly released leadership has pledged to reform Syria’s institutions and rebuild its war-torn infrastructure after Assad’s dramatic fall in December.
President Trump has positioned the policy shift as part of a long-term plan to give Syria’s new leadership a “chance” to rejoin the international community. Speaking before a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump acknowledged al-Sharaa’s controversial past but expressed admiration after meeting him in Saudi Arabia in May.
“I was very impressed by him,” Trump said. “We took the sanctions off because we want to give them a chance.”
From Designation to Engagement
The group once known as al-Nusrah Front, later rebranded as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was originally classified as a terrorist organization due to its former affiliation with al-Qaida. Although the group formally cut ties with al-Qaida in 2017, it remained on the U.S. terrorism list until now.
Rubio’s formal decision to revoke the designation was made on June 23, in coordination with the attorney general and treasury secretary. The notice was quietly published in the Federal Register on Monday, without prior public announcement. Seven days after the decision, Trump signed an executive order ending many economic sanctions previously imposed under Assad’s regime.
The revocation aims to help normalize Syria’s diplomatic standing, support reconstruction, and reward what U.S. officials describe as steps toward political moderation.
Diplomatic Signals and Global Response
Netanyahu, who joined Trump and Rubio at the White House for a dinner celebrating recent diplomatic successes, endorsed the decision. The Israeli leader emphasized the potential for stability and peace in the region under Syria’s new leadership.
“There’s a lot to gain by moving toward peace,” Netanyahu said. “And a lot to lose by going back to conflict.”
Syria has begun reestablishing diplomatic and trade ties with the U.S. and several Western countries following Assad’s ouster in a rapid rebel-led offensive led by al-Sharaa’s coalition.
Sanctions Still in Place on Assad-Era Figures
Despite the new engagement, the Trump administration is not granting a clean slate to all Syrian figures. The executive order does not remove sanctions targeting Assad, his family, or former top officials tied to human rights violations, chemical weapons, or drug trafficking.
Furthermore, the Caesar Act sanctions, passed by Congress, remain in effect. These sanctions target any foreign entities engaging in business with Syria’s military or intelligence sectors. While temporary waivers have been granted, a permanent repeal would require an act of Congress.
A Calculated Gamble
The Trump administration’s engagement with the new Syrian regime is a high-stakes diplomatic gamble. Supporters say it represents a realistic and strategic pivot to support reform in a nation devastated by war. Critics warn that lifting the terrorism designation of a group with a history of extremism could backfire if political promises are not fulfilled.
Rubio described the revocation as a vital move toward achieving Trump’s broader Middle East strategy:
“This FTO revocation is an important step in fulfilling President Trump’s vision of a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria.”
The White House is expected to monitor Syria’s political and security developments closely as the U.S. deepens its involvement with the transitional government.
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