🔗 Share this article United Nations Lifts Restrictions on President of Syria Ahead of White House Visit Security Council representatives approved to a US resolution to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa before his Washington trip next week. Sharaa was named provisional head of state following his leadership in an insurgent campaign that ousted Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of domestic strife. The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that recognised Syria was in "a different period" after Assad's removal. Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once connected to the extremist organization. America delisted the group from its registry of foreign terror groups in July. More Penalties Removed Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab. Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and supportive states for backing the Syrian nation and citizens." Upcoming White House Meeting President Sharaa's presidential meeting this coming Monday follows US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the war-torn country. Following their discussion, the US president stated Sharaa had "a legitimate chance at pulling it together". The two leaders convened for the first time during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the region. Following that encounter, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" having a "formative history". His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch within Syria before he cut connections back in 2016. Prior United States Journey Monday's visit is not the president's debut journey to America in the current year. This past fall, he became the initial Syrian president to address the global assembly in New York after approximately sixty years. During his address, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa speaks before global body for first time in almost 60 years The high-level talks with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, elevates national expectations