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Security Council representatives gave the green light to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his White House visit the following week.

He became transitional president subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that ousted Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador Mike Waltz at the United Nations said the UN had sent "a powerful diplomatic message" that acknowledged Syria entered "a new era" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions as the leader of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with the extremist organization. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister the interior minister.

Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syria expresses its appreciation to Washington and allied countries for their support the Syrian nation and citizens."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa demonstrated "substantial headway" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The pair met on their first occasion in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to the region.

Subsequent to that discussion, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting does not represent his initial visit to the US in the current year. During September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to address the United Nations gathering at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly for first time after nearly six decades
• The high-level talks with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, enhances Syrian aspirations