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Security Council representatives approved to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his presidential meeting the following week.

He was appointed interim leader following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of domestic strife.

America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a powerful diplomatic message" that acknowledged Syria entered "a different period" since Assad was deposed.

Sharaa was under United Nations restrictions while commanding the Islamist group HTS, previously associated with al-Qaeda. America delisted the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations this past July.

More Penalties Removed

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

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of these restrictions, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for assisting of Syria and its people."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip this coming Monday follows US President Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The two leaders convened on their first occasion this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of the region.

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

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria before he cut connections in 2016.

Previous US Visit

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be his initial visit to America this year. In September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the United Nations gathering in Manhattan after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status within the global community" while showing support with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body for first time in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, enhances Syrian aspirations