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The UN Security Council gave the green light to a US resolution removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit next week.

He was appointed interim leader after leading a rebel offensive that drove out the former president in winter 2024, bringing to a close thirteen long years of internal conflict.

Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under United Nations restrictions as the leader of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, once connected to the terrorist network. Washington eliminated the group from its registry of global extremist entities this past July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Additionally, the United Nations lifted penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of these restrictions, declaring through digital channels: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and supportive states for their support the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week follows US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the war-torn country.

The two leaders convened for the first time this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the region.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" possessing a "powerful background".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

Monday's visit will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US during this period. This past fall, he made history as the first Syrian leader to address the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

Throughout his presentation, he declared the nation was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" while showing support toward Gaza's residents.

• The Middle Eastern president presents to international community on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• Trump's meeting with President Sharaa, previously unimaginable, enhances Syrian aspirations