Trump Administration Revokes Terror Designation for Syrian Group as Relations with New Government Warm

The Trump administration is revoking the terrorism designation of a group led by Syria’s new president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, as part of broader U.S. engagement with the transitional government following the ouster of former leader Bashar Assad late last year.

In a statement issued Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation will take effect on Tuesday, stating the decision “recognizes the positive actions taken by the new Syrian government" under President al-Sharaa. The Federal Register published an advance notice earlier Monday, confirming that Rubio made the determination on June 23 in consultation with the attorney general and the treasury secretary.

The announcement comes as the United States continues to ease or lift sanctions imposed during Assad’s rule. The move aims to end Syria’s diplomatic isolation following the rebel offensive that led to Assad’s removal and to support al-Sharaa’s efforts to rebuild a nation devastated by 13 years of civil war.

The brief public notice did not elaborate on the revocation of the foreign terrorist organization (FTO) designation for the al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Originally designated for its ties to al-Qaida, the group rebranded as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in 2017, distancing itself from its al-Qaida affiliation. It was subsequently re-added to the terrorism list during Trump’s first term.

Since the collapse of Assad’s regime in December, Syria has begun mending relations with the U.S. and Western powers. On June 30 — a week after Rubio’s decision — President Donald Trump signed an executive order lifting many U.S. economic sanctions on Syria. The order fulfills a commitment made to al-Sharaa during their meeting in Saudi Arabia in May.

“This FTO revocation is an important step in fulfilling President Trump’s vision of a stable, unified, and peaceful Syria," Rubio said.

Trump’s executive order does not revoke sanctions against Assad, his close associates, or individuals implicated in human rights violations, narcotics trafficking, or chemical weapons programs. Also remaining in place are extensive sanctions passed by Congress under the Caesar Act, targeting entities that do business with Syria’s military, intelligence services, or other blacklisted institutions.

The Trump administration has issued temporary waivers for those sanctions, but a permanent repeal would require legislative action.