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United Nations Security Council members approved to a US resolution to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his presidential meeting next week.

Sharaa was named transitional president after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of domestic strife.

The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" since Assad was deposed.

He had been subject to United Nations restrictions while commanding the Muslim faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with the extremist organization. America delisted the group from its registry of global extremist entities this past July.

More Penalties Removed

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and to friendly nations for backing the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday follows US President Donald Trump said the Syrian leader had made "good progress" working toward stability to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions initially this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip on a tour of the region.

After that meeting, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

The upcoming meeting is not the president's debut journey to the United States this year. This past fall, he became the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan after approximately sixty years.

In his speech, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity toward Gaza's residents.

• Syrian leader addresses UN General Assembly for first time after nearly six decades
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes