Barrack: Syria’s Removal from State Sponsors of Terrorism List Is a “Cornerstone” of New U.S.-Syria Relationship

ARK News.. U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack described Syria’s removal from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism as a “decisive step” in its transition from isolation to partnership, saying the decision provides a foundation for a new U.S.-Syrian relationship based on shared interests and mutual security.

In a post on X on Monday, August 24, 2026, Barrack said the delisting was “not merely the removal of a designation" but represented “another cornerstone” in the emerging relationship between Washington and Damascus.

He stressed that the next phase would require turning the opportunity into lasting peace and prosperity. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio similarly described Syria’s removal from the list as a step that “opens new avenues for revitalizing the Syrian economy and achieving progress.”

The U.S. Treasury Department announced Monday that Syria’s removal from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list had taken effect following the completion of the statutory procedures related to congressional review.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also updated its sanctions regulations, confirming that Syria is no longer subject to provisions governing “governments on the terrorism list,” including restrictions related to financial and banking transactions. The decision is part of a series of U.S. measures aimed at reshaping Washington’s relationship with Syria.

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