US to Review Terrorist Designations on Syria Amid Sanctions Lift

US to Review Terrorist Designations on Syria Amid Sanctions Lift
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to review both domestic and United Nations terrorist designations related to Syria, following a phone call with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, Anadolu Agency reported. This development comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating US sanctions and the national emergency concerning Syria.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed Rubio’s commitment to reconsider these designations while reaffirming that sanctions on “malign actors,” including former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his associates, will remain in place. Rubio expressed hope that these measures could open a new chapter in US-Syria relations.

The two officials also discussed counterterrorism efforts, Iran’s influence, Israel-Syria relations, and the destruction of Assad regime chemical weapons remnants.

Trump had announced lifting the “brutal and crippling” sanctions on Syria in May during a Saudi investment forum, followed by a historic meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa—the first US-Syria leader meeting in 25 years.

Assad fled to Russia in December 2024 after nearly 25 years in power, with al-Sharaa now serving as transitional president.