🔗 Share this article UN Removes Sanctions on Syria's Leader Ahead of White House Visit Security Council representatives approved to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his Washington trip next week. He became transitional president subsequent to commanding a revolutionary movement that ousted Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of civil war. America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" since Assad was deposed. He had been subject to global penalties while commanding the Muslim faction HTS, previously associated with the extremist organization. America delisted the group from its registry of foreign terror groups during July. Additional Sanctions Relief The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab. Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to Washington and allied countries for their support of Syria and its people." Forthcoming Presidential Visit The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week follows President Trump said the Syrian leader demonstrated "substantial headway" towards bringing peace to the war-torn country. Following their discussion, Trump said Sharaa had "a real shot to unify the country". The pair met for the first time during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through Arab nations. Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past". The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country until he severed ties back in 2016. Prior United States Journey The upcoming meeting does not represent his initial visit to America in the current year. During September, he emerged as the first Syrian leader to present to the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years. During his address, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents. Syrian leader speaks before global body for first time in almost 60 years Trump's meeting with Sharaa, once considered impossible, enhances Syrian aspirations