🔗 Share this article UN Ends Sanctions on Syria's Leader Prior to Presidential Visit Security Council representatives approved to an American proposal to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his Washington trip next week. He became provisional head of state after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted the former president in winter 2024, concluding over a decade of domestic strife. Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster. Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with al-Qaeda. The US removed HTS from a list of global extremist entities this past July. Further Restrictions Lifted The UN also removed penalties against the Syrian interior official Minister Anas Khattab. Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of the sanctions, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and supportive states for assisting the Syrian nation and citizens." Forthcoming Presidential Visit The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday follows President Trump stated the Middle Eastern president demonstrated "substantial headway" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation. Subsequent to their talks, Trump said Sharaa had "a real shot at pulling it together". Both presidents held discussions for the first time this past May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the region. After that meeting, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past". His former militant faction operated as the terrorist network's partner in Syria until he severed ties back in 2016. Prior United States Journey The upcoming meeting will not be the president's debut journey to the US in the current year. This past fall, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters for nearly six decades. Throughout his presentation, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and expressed solidarity toward Gaza's residents. The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly for first time in almost 60 years The high-level talks with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, elevates national expectations