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The UN Security Council gave the green light to an American proposal to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit the following week.

He became provisional head of state following his leadership in an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in winter 2024, ending thirteen long years of civil war.

America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions in his role as head of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to the terrorist network. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations during July.

More Penalties Removed

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of these restrictions, stating online: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and to friendly nations for backing the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week follows President Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The two leaders convened for the first time this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the region.

Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent his initial visit to the US in the current year. In September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

Throughout his presentation, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader presents to international community for first time in almost 60 years
• The high-level talks with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, elevates national expectations