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The UN Security Council voted in favour to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit the following week.

Sharaa was named provisional head of state subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed the former president in December 2024, ending 13 years of civil war.

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

He had been subject to global penalties in his role as head of the Islamist group HTS, previously associated with the terrorist network. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations during July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of these restrictions, stating online: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and to friendly nations for backing of Syria and its people."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week comes after American leader Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

The pair met on their first occasion this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip on a tour of the Middle East.

Subsequent to that discussion, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" having a "formative history".

His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country before he cut connections back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting will not be his initial visit to the US during this period. During September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to present to the UN General Assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades.

During his address, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position within the global community" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• President Sharaa addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• The high-level talks with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, enhances Syrian aspirations