Removal of Syria from State Sponsor of Terrorism List
In August 2026, OFAC implemented a final action removing Syria from the U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism list. This change concludes the application of prohibitions under the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR part 596) and statutory authority under 22 USC 7205(a)(1) to Syria. Concurrently, OFAC removed Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), also known as al-Nusrah Front, from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List, consistent with the Department of State's revocation of HTS's Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) designation.
Revocation of Syria General License 25 and FAQ Updates
Following these removals, OFAC revoked Syria General License 25, which had previously authorized a narrow set of transactions involving HTS's role in the Syrian government. This revocation removes the standing authorization that allowed certain dealings that might otherwise be prohibited under the sanctions regime. OFAC also updated its online FAQs related to Syrian sanctions, modifying FAQs 1220, 1221, and 1222 to align with these developments and removing FAQ 1223 entirely.
Concurrent Iran Sanctions Modifications
Alongside Syria-related changes, OFAC issued extensive updates to its Iran sanctions programs. Numerous individuals, entities, and vessels were newly added to the SDN List under various executive orders addressing Iran's nuclear, military, and cyber-related activities. OFAC published a determination pursuant to Executive Order 13902, targeting Iranian economic sectors including aviation, digital assets, gold, shipping, and technology, highlighting focused sanctions efforts on Iran's key economic activities.
General License Adjustments
OFAC suspended two Iran general licenses, GL F (related to certain services supporting professional and amateur sports activities and exchanges with the U.S.) and GL G (related to academic exchanges and educational services), effective August 24, 2026. Concurrently, OFAC issued new Iran general licenses AA and BB: GL AA authorizes specific activities involving La Nivernaise De Raffinage SAS, and GL BB allows for the wind down of certain transactions previously authorized under the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).
Interagency Coordination and Advisory Updates
The U.S. Departments of Commerce, State, and Treasury also issued an updated Tri-Seal Advisory concerning sanctions and export control relief related to Syria, providing further coordination on regulatory expectations and enforcement priorities in the Syria context.
Implications for Sanctions Monitoring
This comprehensive update signals a significant policy shift regarding Syria while intensifying targeted sanctions actions on Iran. Entities conducting cross-border transactions, particularly those involving Iran and Syria, should carefully review scope changes of authorized activities and prohibited parties disclosed in the updated SDN List and general license publications. The suspension and issuance of Iran general licenses warrant particular attention to authorized and prohibited activities under the current ITSR framework.