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The UN Security Council approved to an American proposal to lift sanctions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before his presidential meeting the following week.

He became provisional head of state following his leadership in a rebel offensive that drove out the former president in December 2024, concluding 13 years of internal conflict.

America's diplomat UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under global penalties in his role as head of the Muslim faction HTS, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. America delisted HTS from a list of global extremist entities during July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for assisting the Syrian nation and citizens."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

President Sharaa's presidential meeting on Monday occurs subsequent to President Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the war-torn country.

Both presidents held discussions initially this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through Arab nations.

After that meeting, Trump portrayed Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country prior to breaking relations during 2016.

Earlier American Trip

Monday's visit is not the president's debut journey to the US in the current year. This past fall, he became the first Syrian leader to present to the United Nations gathering in Manhattan 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 addresses UN General Assembly on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, enhances Syrian aspirations