US removes Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list for first time since 1979

The United States rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terrorism designation, first imposed in 1979, lifting severe economic restrictions and opening the door to private investment. The State Department also removed the terror designation from HTS, the group whose leader Ahmed al-Sharaa led the overthrow of Assad. Al-Sharaa described the decision as shaking off a "dark stain" from Syria.