TITLE: United States Office of Foreign Assets Control Removes Syria's State Sponsor of Terrorism Designation and Revokes Related Sanctions
BODY:
On August 24, 2026, the US Department of State removed Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, eliminating prohibitions under the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR part 596) and 22 USC 7205(a)(1). Concurrently, the US Department of State revoked the designation of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also known as al-Nusrah Front, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organization. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed HTS from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) and revoked Syria General License 25, which had authorised certain transactions involving HTS's role in the Syrian government. OFAC updated related frequently asked questions and removed FAQ 1223.
The US Departments of Commerce, State, and Treasury issued an updated Tri-Seal Advisory addressing sanctions and export controls relief for Syria. Simultaneously, OFAC implemented significant Iran sanctions actions, including adding numerous individuals and entities to its SDN List. These additions targeted Iranian officials, cyber operatives, and international facilitators engaged in prohibited activities across aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping, and technology sectors. OFAC suspended Iran General Licenses F and G, which had authorised certain sports activities and academic exchanges. It issued new Iran General Licenses AA and BB authorising specific transactions involving La Nivernaise De Raffinage SAS and wind-down activities. OFAC also published a determination pursuant to Executive Order 13902 and issued an updated alert regarding sanctions risks related to Iranian demands for Strait of Hormuz passage fees.
The SDN List updates include designations of individuals and entities from Iran, China, Turkey, India, Singapore, Greece, and other jurisdictions, with multiple entries linked to Iranian government entities, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and associated organisations. Vessels engaged in Iranian oil transport were also added to the SDN List.
REFERENCES:
Office of Foreign Assets Control. "Removal of Syria's designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and Associated Sanctions List Updates; Iran-related Designations; Updates to Iran-related General Licenses." August 24, 2026. https://ofac.treasury.gov/