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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his Washington trip next week.

He was appointed interim leader after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, ending over a decade of civil war.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

Sharaa was under global penalties as the leader of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of foreign terror groups in July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

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

The Syrian diplomatic chief 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 Syrian nation and citizens."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

President Sharaa's presidential meeting at the start of the week follows American leader Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president demonstrated "substantial headway" working toward stability to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The pair met on their first occasion during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip while traveling through the Middle East.

Subsequent to that discussion, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria before he cut connections during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent the president's debut journey to the US this year. This past fall, he became the initial Syrian president to address the global assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• President Sharaa speaks before global body for first time in almost 60 years
• The presidential discussion with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, boosts Syrians' hopes