On Wednesday, Donald Trump announced his plan to take Syria off the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism. This move would leave Cuba, Iran, and North Korea as the only countries still on that list.
The announcement came during a joint press conference with Syria's transitional president, Ahmed al Shara, at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
"I think I will. Why wouldn't I? He has done a great job," Trump stated to the press before confirming with a succinct, "Yes, I will," directly addressing Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Later, Rubio formally informed Congress of the president's decision. "This historic step opens new avenues for recovery and economic development, offering the Syrian people the opportunity for a bright future," the Secretary of State wrote.
Syria had been the longest-standing country on that list, added on December 29, 1979, and was among the original four members, alongside Iraq, Libya, and South Yemen. It was the last of those four still listed after Libya was removed in 2006.
The designation had persisted for decades due to Bashar al-Assad's regime's support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as well as its ties to Iran. The removal would end 47 years of being on the list.
The path to this decision began with the Assad regime's collapse in December 2024 and Al Shara's ascent to power. In June 2025, Trump signed Executive Order 14312, lifting U.S. economic sanctions on Syria. Wednesday's congressional notification marks the final step in removing the designation.
During the meeting in Ankara, Trump praised the Syrian leader. "He has unified the country in a very short time," Trump declared, adding, "He's a great leader, respected by everyone, including myself, and we are proud to have him with us."
While Syria exits the list, Cuba remains without any prospects for removal. Trump had reinstated Cuba on January 20, 2025, his first day back in the White House, overturning Biden's decision made just six days prior as part of a Vatican-mediated deal to release more than 500 political prisoners.
In June 2026, Rubio reaffirmed to the Senate that Cuba stays on the list for its support of the ELN and FARC, and for hosting Chinese and Russian intelligence bases on its soil. Cuba was initially added in 1982, removed by Obama in 2015, reinstated by Trump in January 2021, and has since been subject to a cycle of additions and removals depending on the administration.
With Syria's departure, the State Department's terrorism sponsor list would be reduced to its three remaining members: Cuba—on the list since 1982, with interruptions—Iran—since 1984—and North Korea—relisted in 2017.
Understanding the Implications of Terrorism Sponsor List Changes
Why is Syria being removed from the list of terrorism sponsors?
Syria is being removed following the collapse of the Assad regime and the subsequent rise of transitional president Ahmed al Shara, who is seen as leading positive changes in the country.
What are the reasons for Cuba remaining on the list?
Cuba remains on the list due to its support for groups like the ELN and FARC, and for hosting intelligence bases from China and Russia.
How does being on the terrorism sponsor list affect a country?
Countries on the list face economic sanctions, restrictions on foreign aid, and limitations on trade and financial transactions with the U.S.