UN Ends Penalties on Syrian President Ahead of White House Visit

United Nations Security Council members approved to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting next week.

Sharaa was named interim leader subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that acknowledged Syria entered "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under UN sanctions as the leader of the Islamist group the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the organization from the catalog of global extremist entities in July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the sanctions, stating online: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and allied countries for their support of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit at the start of the week occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The two leaders convened for the first time in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

Monday's visit will not be his initial visit to the United States in the current year. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the United Nations gathering at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body for first time in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes