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The UN Security Council approved to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting the coming week.

He was appointed provisional head of state subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that ousted Bashar al-Assad in winter 2024, ending thirteen long years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under global penalties while commanding the religious organization the HTS movement, once connected to the extremist organization. The US removed the organization from the catalog of foreign terror groups in July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and supportive states for backing the Syrian nation and citizens."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit on Monday comes after President Trump said the Syrian leader demonstrated "substantial headway" working toward stability to the war-torn country.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the region.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" possessing a "powerful background".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch in Syria until he severed ties back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

The upcoming meeting is not his initial visit to the United States during this period. During September, he emerged as the initial Syrian president to present to the global assembly at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, elevates national expectations