🔗 Share this article United Nations Ends Sanctions on Syrian President Ahead of Presidential Visit United Nations Security Council members approved to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his Washington trip the coming week. Sharaa was named provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that ousted the former president in December 2024, concluding over a decade of internal conflict. America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a powerful diplomatic message" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster. Previously, he faced United Nations restrictions while commanding the Muslim faction the HTS movement, once connected to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations during July. Further Restrictions Lifted Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab. Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation to Washington and supportive states for their support the Syrian nation and citizens." Upcoming White House Meeting The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" working toward stability to the conflict-ravaged nation. Following their discussion, Trump remarked the Syrian leader possessed "a genuine opportunity at pulling it together". The pair met for the first time in May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the region. Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" with a "very strong past". His Islamist group HTS operated as the terrorist network's partner within Syria until he severed ties during 2016. Prior United States Journey The upcoming meeting does not represent the president's debut journey to America in the current year. During September, he became the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan for nearly six decades. During his address, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status within the global community" while showing support with Palestinian citizens in Gaza. President Sharaa speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations