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United Nations Security Council members approved to an American proposal ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting the following week.

He was appointed transitional president after leading a revolutionary movement that ousted the former president in December 2024, concluding over a decade of civil war.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions while commanding the Muslim faction HTS, previously associated with the terrorist network. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of foreign terror groups in July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

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

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for their support the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday comes after US President Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

The pair met for the first time in May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through Arab nations.

Subsequent to that discussion, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background".

His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country prior to breaking relations during 2016.

Previous US Visit

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent the president's debut journey to the US this year. This past fall, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to present to the UN General Assembly in New York in almost 60 years.

During his address, he declared the nation was "regaining its deserved status among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• The Middle Eastern president presents to international community on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, previously unimaginable, boosts Syrians' hopes