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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a US resolution to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his Washington trip the following week.

Sharaa was named transitional president following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that removed the previous leader in December 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of domestic strife.

America's diplomat Mike Waltz at the United Nations said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that recognised Syria was in "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions while commanding the religious organization the HTS movement, once connected to the extremist organization. The US removed the group from its registry of global extremist entities during July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation to Washington and allied countries for assisting the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

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

The pair met for the first time during May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the region.

After that meeting, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch in Syria until he severed ties in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement is not his initial visit to the US during this period. In September, he became the first Syrian leader to present to the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters for nearly six decades.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" while showing support with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• Syrian leader presents to international community initially in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations