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The UN Security Council voted in favour to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his White House visit the coming week.

He became interim leader following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that drove out the previous leader in winter 2024, ending over a decade of domestic strife.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations declared the global body transmitted "a strong political signal" that recognised Syria was in "a different period" after Assad's removal.

Previously, he faced global penalties in his role as head of the Muslim faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once connected to the extremist organization. The US removed HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister.

Syria's foreign minister applauded the lifting of the sanctions, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for their support of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit at the start of the week occurs subsequent to President Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the previously divided state.

The two leaders convened on their first occasion during May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to the Middle East.

Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed him as a "resilient figure" with a "very strong past".

His former militant faction was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent Sharaa's first trip to the United States this year. During September, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status across international circles" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly for first time following approximately sixty years
• The high-level talks with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes