The Trump administration has revoked the terrorist designation for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that now controls the Syrian government, and lifted sanctions on Syria. This move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows HTS interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's campaign for a relationship with Washington and sanctions relief, including a meeting with President Donald Trump in June.
US ends terrorist designation of Syrian militant leaders
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The Trump administration has revoked the terrorist designation for Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that now controls the Syrian government, and lifted sanctions on Syria. This move, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows HTS interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's campaign for a relationship with Washington and sanctions relief, including a meeting with President Donald Trump in June.
Trending- 1 2018: State Department under Trump added HTS to al-Nusra foreign terrorist designation.
- 2 June (2025): Ahmed al-Sharaa met President Donald Trump.
- 3 Last week: Trump signed an executive order ending sanctions imposed on Syria.
- 4 Monday (July 7, 2025): Secretary of State Marco Rubio's memo revoking HTS terrorist designation made public.
- HTS no longer designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US
- US sanctions on Syria lifted (some still require Congress action)
- Potential for Syria to reestablish ties to global commerce
- Shift in US foreign policy towards Syria and HTS
What: The Trump administration has revoked the terrorist designation of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and ended sanctions on Syria.
When: Announced Monday (July 7, 2025); Trump signed executive order ending sanctions last week; al-Sharaa met Trump in June.
Where: United States policy affecting Syria.
Why: To give Syria a chance at economic development after decades of civil war, and following HTS interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa's campaign for sanctions relief and a relationship with Washington.
How: Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a memo revoking the designation, and President Trump signed an executive order ending sanctions.