Syria's Transitional President Celebrates Sanctions Lift as Peace Efforts Progress

Fri Nov 07 2025 04:39:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant move ahead of his White House visit, the UN Security Council has agreed to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a new era for Syria following years of civil war.

The UN has voted to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, acknowledging a political shift since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This decision precedes Sharaa's upcoming visit to Washington, where his leadership is seen as integral to Syria's path toward recovery from over a decade of conflict.

The UN Security Council has voted in favour of a US resolution to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his White House visit next week.

Sharaa was named transitional president after leading a rebel offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz said the UN had sent a strong political signal that recognised Syria was in a new era since Assad was deposed.

Sharaa was under UN sanctions as the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The US removed HTS from a list of foreign terror groups in July.

The UN also removed sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of the sanctions, posting on social media: Syria expresses its appreciation to the United States and to friendly nations for their support of Syria and its people.

Sharaa's upcoming White House visit on Monday coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump's comments that the Syrian leader has made good progress towards bringing peace to the war-torn country.

Despite being a former Islamist group leader, Sharaa is emerging as a pivotal figure in Syria's recovery, with his first visit to the US this year already marking a progress in foreign relations, including a landmark address to the UN General Assembly.