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Security Council representatives voted in favour to an American proposal to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his Washington trip the following week.

Sharaa was named provisional head of state after leading a rebel offensive that drove out the previous leader in December 2024, concluding 13 years of domestic strife.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" since Assad was deposed.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions as the leader of the Islamist group HTS, previously associated with the terrorist network. America delisted the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations in July.

More Penalties Removed

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

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of these restrictions, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and to friendly nations for backing of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit on Monday occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened on their first occasion in May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to Arab nations.

Following that encounter, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country prior to breaking relations in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

This week's diplomatic engagement is not his initial visit to America this year. During September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly in New York in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he declared the nation was "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" while showing support toward Gaza's residents.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body initially in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with the Syrian leader, previously unimaginable, boosts Syrians' hopes