This past Monday, the United States officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, a designation it had held since 1979. With this change, Cuba remains among the trio of nations still on the list, alongside Iran and North Korea.
The decision, enacted by the Trump administration, signals a shift in Washington's stance towards the new Syrian government and aims to encourage economic investment and recovery in the nation, according to a statement from the State Department.
"The Treasury is fulfilling President Trump's pledge to offer the Syrian people a chance at greatness. This move is expected to attract more investment into Syria, enhancing political and economic stability," stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The process began on July 8 when Trump announced his intention to revoke the designation following a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Subsequently, Congress was given a 45-day review period.
Changes in U.S. Terrorism Designations
In a related move, Washington also withdrew the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a specially designated global terrorist organization, and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed the group from its sanctions list.
HTS, formerly linked to Al Qaeda and known as the Nusra Front, was led by al-Sharaa, who spearheaded the coalition that overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa had previously been labeled a terrorist by Washington until the rapprochement with the Trump administration.
As reported by Al-Monitor, Syria's inclusion on the list previously imposed significant barriers to exporting certain technological products, equipment, and software to the country, even after other sanctions were lifted.
Cuba's Enduring Designation
With Syria's removal, Cuba remains one of only three nations under this designation, along with Iran and North Korea. Cuba was first added to the list in 1982 under Ronald Reagan's presidency. Barack Obama removed it in 2015, but Trump reinstated it in January 2021.
President Joe Biden announced plans to remove Cuba again on January 14, 2025, as part of an agreement that included the release of political prisoners in Cuba. However, Trump reversed this decision six days later upon returning to office.
In May 2025, Washington also reclassified Cuba among countries not fully cooperating in anti-terrorism efforts, a separate category from the state sponsor of terrorism designation.
Washington's rationale for maintaining Cuba on the list includes providing refuge to fugitives wanted by U.S. justice and concerns about its anti-terrorism cooperation. The designation results in restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, bans on defense-related exports and sales, controls on certain dual-use goods, and other financial sanctions.
Havana argues that its inclusion is arbitrary and politically motivated, and it has long sought removal from the list.
The decision regarding Syria, however, highlights a stark contrast in Washington's policy toward these governments: while the Trump administration seeks to lift restrictions to boost reconstruction and investment in Damascus, Cuba remains subject to one of the most stringent U.S. sanctions regimes.
Frequently Asked Questions About U.S. Terror Sponsor Designations
Why was Syria removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism?
The Trump administration removed Syria to encourage economic recovery and investment in the country, as part of a broader shift in U.S. policy towards the new Syrian government.
What are the implications of being on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism?
Being on the list leads to restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, bans on defense-related exports and sales, controls on certain dual-use goods, and other financial sanctions.
How has Cuba reacted to its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism?
Cuba claims that its inclusion is arbitrary and politically driven, and it has consistently demanded its removal from the list.