UN lifts sanctions on Syrian president ahead of White House visit

November 6, 2025

The UN Security Council approved a US-proposed resolution removing sanctions against Syrian transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa before his upcoming White House meeting. Sharaa assumed leadership after directing a rebel campaign that toppled Bashar al-Assad in late 2024, bringing Syria's lengthy civil conflict to a close. Previous sanctions targeted him due to his leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist organization with historical al-Qaeda connections that the US declassified as a terrorist group in July.

Who is affected

Ahmed al-Sharaa (Syrian transitional president)
Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) organization
Syria's foreign minister and Syrian people
The US government and President Donald Trump
UN Security Council member nations

What action is being taken

The UN Security Council is voting to lift sanctions on Sharaa and Khattab
Sharaa is preparing for a White House visit scheduled for Monday
Syria's foreign minister is publicly expressing appreciation for international support

Why it matters

This represents a significant diplomatic shift in how the international community engages with Syria after more than a decade of civil war. The sanctions removal and high-level diplomatic engagement signal recognition of Syria's political transition away from the Assad regime and opens pathways for the country's reintegration into global affairs. It also reflects evolving US policy toward former Islamist groups that have distanced themselves from terrorist organizations.

What's next

Sharaa will visit the White House on Monday for meetings with US leadership

Read full article from source: BBC