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Security Council representatives approved to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit the following week.

He was appointed interim leader after leading a rebel offensive that removed the former president in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of internal conflict.

America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced global penalties while commanding the religious organization HTS, which was formerly linked to the terrorist network. America delisted HTS from a list of foreign terror groups this past July.

More Penalties Removed

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

The nation's top diplomat welcomed the removal of the sanctions, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to Washington and supportive states for assisting the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week follows American leader 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 during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of the region.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" having a "formative history".

His Islamist group HTS operated as the terrorist network's partner inside the country prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US this year. In September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to address the United Nations gathering at UN headquarters after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position within the global community" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• Trump's meeting with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, elevates national expectations