The United States has removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, according to a BBC report published on 25 August 2026. The change was made by the Trump administration.
The move comes as Washington embraces Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa. The BBC describes al-Sharaa as a former al-Qaeda militant, making the administration’s engagement with him a notable element of the shift in US policy towards Syria.
The available evidence does not state when the removal took effect or identify the formal process used to change Syria’s designation. It also does not provide comments from the US government, Syrian authorities or al-Sharaa.
No details have been supplied about any conditions attached to the decision. The report summary also does not explain whether the change will affect sanctions, diplomatic representation, trade, travel or other aspects of relations between the two countries.
What is clear from the BBC report is that the designation has been lifted while the Trump administration develops ties with Syria’s new president. Further details will be needed to establish the decision’s full practical consequences and how it will shape relations between Washington and Damascus.