The UN Security Council has approved a US resolution to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in advance of his upcoming visit to the White House next week. Al-Sharaa assumed the role of transitional president after leading a rebel offensive that successfully removed Bashar al-Assad from power in December 2024, which marked the conclusion of a civil war that lasted 13 years.
US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, indicated that the decision signals a recognition of a “new era” in Syria following Assad’s removal. Previously, al-Sharaa faced UN sanctions while leading the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which had once been affiliated with al-Qaeda. Notably, the US removed HTS from its list of foreign terror organizations in July.
In addition to al-Sharaa, the UN has also lifted sanctions on Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Khattab. The Syrian foreign minister expressed gratitude on social media for the support received from the United States and allied countries, referring to the sanctions’ removal.
Al-Sharaa’s upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump follows remarks by the president regarding al-Sharaa’s efforts to advance peace in Syria. Trump previously met al-Sharaa in May during a trip to Riyadh, where he characterized the Syrian leader as a “tough guy” with a significant history. Al-Sharaa had previously led HTS until he cut ties with al-Qaeda in 2016.
This marks al-Sharaa’s second visit to the US this year, as he addressed the UN General Assembly in September—becoming the first Syrian leader in nearly 60 years to do so. During his speech, he asserted Syria’s desire to reclaim its status among the global community and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y95lg1erjo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss