🔗 Share this article UN Ends Sanctions on Syrian President Ahead of Presidential Visit The UN Security Council gave the green light to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria before his Washington trip the following week. He became transitional president after leading an insurgent campaign that drove out the previous leader in December 2024, concluding 13 years of domestic strife. Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal. Sharaa was under global penalties in his role as head of the Islamist group the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The US removed the group from its registry of international terrorist organizations this past July. Further Restrictions Lifted Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab. The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks toward America and supportive states for assisting the Syrian nation and citizens." Imminent Washington Talks President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week comes after President Trump remarked that Sharaa had made "good progress" working toward stability to the conflict-ravaged nation. Subsequent to their talks, the US president stated Sharaa had "a legitimate chance to unify the country". Both presidents held discussions for the first time in May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of the Middle East. After that meeting, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history". His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country before he cut connections back in 2016. Earlier American Trip This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent the president's debut journey to America during this period. In September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to address the UN General Assembly in Manhattan after approximately sixty years. In his speech, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place across international circles" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza. Syrian leader presents to international community initially after nearly six decades The presidential discussion with Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes