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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to a United States-backed measure to lift sanctions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his presidential meeting the coming week.

Sharaa was named interim leader after leading an insurgent campaign that removed Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador Mike Waltz at the United Nations declared the global body transmitted "an emphatic political statement" that acknowledged Syria entered "a fresh chapter" since Assad was deposed.

Previously, he faced United Nations restrictions while commanding the Muslim faction HTS, once connected to al-Qaeda. Washington eliminated the organization from the catalog of foreign terror groups this past July.

More Penalties Removed

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

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of these restrictions, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to Washington and supportive states for backing the Syrian nation and citizens."

Upcoming White House Meeting

Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday comes after American leader Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa had made "good progress" towards bringing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The pair met on their first occasion this past May, when Trump visited Riyadh during a visit to Arab nations.

After that meeting, America's leader characterized the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country prior to breaking relations back in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

Monday's visit will not be the president's debut journey to America this year. This past fall, he emerged as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters for nearly six decades.

In his speech, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status across international circles" while showing support toward Gaza's residents.

• President Sharaa presents to international community on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, previously unimaginable, elevates national expectations