On Tuesday, August 25, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani praised the United States for removing Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. In a post on X, the president described the decision as pivotal for Syria’s recovery and stability, enhancing its integration into the international community.

“I welcome the decision of the United States to remove Syria’s name from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism, which is an important step toward supporting Syria’s recovery, stability, and prosperity, and enhancing its return to its natural role in the region and the world,” President Nechirvan Barzani stated. He added that he hopes the decision “opens broader horizons for developing its relations with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and expands cooperation in all fields in a way that serves common interests.”

In a statement on August 24, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the official rescission of Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decision came after a mandatory 45-day Congressional notification period. Rubio also announced the delisting of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

“These actions represent another historic step to provide the Syrian people with a path to prosperity,” Rubio noted, highlighting the Trump administration’s commitment to easing sanctions that have long hindered Syria’s development. A June 2025 Executive Order aimed at revoking Syria sanctions further exemplified this policy shift.

In a video statement, Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa welcomed the decision, congratulating the Syrian people on their new status. He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and allies who supported Syria during its struggles. “This historic decision opens the door to rebuilding our nation,” he remarked.

The Kurdistan Region has played a pivotal role in restoring the stability of Syria. Following Assad’s downfall, the Kurdistan Regional Government expressed hopes for peace and stability in Syria, stressing that any future solution should benefit all of Syria’s diverse communities and promote coexistence, peace, and stability.

Read More: The Role of the Kurds in Post-Assad Syria

President Masoud Barzani’s efforts to foster unity among Kurdish factions in Syria have been acknowledged as instrumental in achieving the diplomatic breakthrough between the Syrian government in Damascus and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in Western Kurdistan (northern Syria). Recent decrees by President al-Sharaa reaffirmed the importance of Kurdish culture and identity within the broader Syrian national framework.

In a historic move, President Nechirvan Barzani visited Damascus on August 3 at the invitation of President al-Sharaa, marking his first official visit since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. President Barzani was warmly received, with both Kurdish and Syrian flags displayed prominently at the Presidential Palace, symbolizing a new era of cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and Syria.