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Security Council representatives approved to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his Washington trip the following week.

Sharaa was named transitional president subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that ousted the previous leader in winter 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of domestic strife.

America's diplomat Mike Waltz at the United Nations stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" after Assad's removal.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions in his role as head of the Muslim faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

More Penalties Removed

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

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and to friendly nations for their support the Syrian nation and citizens."

Upcoming White House Meeting

Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" working toward stability to the war-torn country.

Both presidents held discussions initially during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to the region.

After that meeting, the US president described the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

His former militant faction operated as the terrorist network's partner within Syria until he severed ties back in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

The upcoming meeting does not represent Sharaa's first trip to the US in the current year. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades.

In his speech, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body initially after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations