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United Nations Security Council members approved to an American proposal to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his White House visit the following week.

He became provisional head of state after leading a rebel offensive that ousted the previous leader in December 2024, ending 13 years of internal conflict.

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.

Sharaa was under United Nations restrictions as the leader of the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to the extremist organization. Washington eliminated the organization from the catalog of international terrorist organizations during July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of these restrictions, posting on social media: "The nation shows its gratitude to Washington and allied countries for assisting the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip on Monday occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the war-torn country.

The pair met for the first time this past May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to 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 back in 2016.

Previous US Visit

Monday's visit is not the president's debut journey to the United States during this period. This past fall, he made history as the initial Syrian president to present to the global assembly in New York in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status across international circles" while showing support with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body initially after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with President Sharaa, unthinkable just months ago, elevates national expectations