U.S. Removes HTS from Terror List, Marking Controversial Shift in Policy

President Trump meets with Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on March 14, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Saudi Royal Palace/AP

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States has officially removed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from its list of foreign terrorist organizations as of today, July 8, 2025, according to a State Department memo. The decision comes months after HTS led the December offensive that toppled Syria’s Assad regime, ending 54 years of dynastic rule. HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa – formerly tied to al-Qaeda – now serves as Syria’s interim president.

A June 23 document signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio reads:

“In consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Treasury, I hereby revoke the designation of al-Nusrah Front, also known as Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (and other aliases) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 (a)(6)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 

The determination shall be published in the Federal Register. The revocation goes into effect upon publication.”

The delisting is part of a broader shift in U.S. and Western policy toward Syria. In late June, President Trump signed an executive order lifting U.S. sanctions on the country, framing the move as support for Syria’s “path to stability and peace.” The White House said it would monitor the new government’s efforts on regional normalization, counterterrorism, and the banning of Palestinian militant groups.

Syria’s new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, welcomed the move, calling it a step toward economic recovery and reintegration into the international community. Damascus also signaled readiness to resume the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel.

HTS has undergone a public transformation, attempting to distance itself from jihadist rhetoric and rebrand under the leadership of al-Sharaa. Moderated messaging, civil administration structures, and even public appearances with leaders in Western-style suits have all been part of the rehabilitation effort.

On Saturday, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy became the first British official to visit Syria in over a decade, announcing a £94.5 million aid package and confirming the removal of sanctions on Syria’s defense and interior ministries, according to reporting from BBC.

Despite the diplomatic thaw, concerns remain over HTS’ past and governance style. Al-Sharaa’s Islamist background has drawn scrutiny, especially amid reports of ongoing sectarian violence, and most key governmental positions have been filled directly by al-Sharaa.

Recent months have seen a rise in deadly attacks against minority communities. In March, hundreds of Alawites were killed in clashes with security forces; in April, Druze fighters and Islamist factions clashed violently; and in June, a suicide bombing at a church in Damascus left at least 25 dead.

While international engagement with Syria is increasing, questions persist about whether HTS’s transformation is genuine – and if the group can govern a fractured country.

Previously, UOJ reported on Patriarch John X’s comments directed at the new Syrian government following the deadly bombing of the Church of St. Elias in Damascus.

Read also