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United Nations Security Council members gave the green light to an American proposal removing restrictions on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his White House visit the coming week.

Sharaa was named provisional head of state following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that removed the former president in December 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war.

The US representative UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a new era" after Assad's removal.

He had been subject to UN sanctions while commanding the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), once connected to the extremist organization. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted penalties against the Syrian interior official Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of the penalties, stating online: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and supportive states for backing of Syria and its people."

Imminent Washington Talks

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week occurs subsequent to American leader Donald Trump said the Syrian leader demonstrated "substantial headway" in establishing peace to the previously divided state.

The two leaders convened for the first time during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, the US president described him as a "resilient figure" possessing a "powerful background".

His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country until he severed ties back in 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement does not represent his initial visit to the United States in the current year. During September, he made history as the first Syrian leader to present to the global assembly in New York after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he stated the country had been "reclaiming its rightful place among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body on historic occasion following approximately sixty years
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, enhances Syrian aspirations