U.S. removes Syrian President from terror blacklist before his visit

12 NOVEMBER 2025

The United States formally removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, from a terrorism blacklist, days before the former jihadist is set to make a landmark visit to Washington.
The move was widely expected as Mr. al-Sharaa cooperates with the United States.
U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House, welcoming the once-pariah state into a U.S.-led global coalition to fight the Islamic State group.
Syria formally confirmed that it would join the global coalition against the Islamic State group during Mr. Sharaa’s visit, becoming its 90th member.