State Sponsor of Terrorism
E1. Maritime security, geopolitics and riskDefinition
US State Department designation with sanctions effect.
A designation by the US Secretary of State for countries determined to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, made under the Export Administration Act, the Arms Export Control Act, and the Foreign Assistance Act. Designation triggers restrictions on US foreign aid, a ban on defense exports and sales, controls on dual-use exports, and financial restrictions. As of 2026 the listed states are Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. The designation compounds the trade and shipping limits each country already faces.
Source: US State Department State Sponsors of Terrorism designation (22 U.S.C.; Arms Export Control Act; Foreign Assistance Act)