UN Lifts Sanctions on Syrian President Before Presidential Visit

United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before his White House visit next week.

He was appointed interim leader subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that ousted the former president in December 2024, ending 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" since Assad was deposed.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions in his role as head of the religious organization HTS, which was formerly linked to the terrorist network. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of global extremist entities in July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and allied countries for backing of Syria and its people."

Upcoming White House Meeting

Sharaa's White House visit on Monday occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time in May, when Trump visited Riyadh while traveling through the region.

Following that encounter, the US president described the Syrian as a "strong individual" with a "very strong past".

His Islamist group HTS served as al-Qaeda's branch in Syria prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting will not be his initial visit to America during this period. During September, he emerged as the first Syrian leader to address the United Nations gathering at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and expressed solidarity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes