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United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his Washington trip next week.

He was appointed interim leader subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that drove out the previous leader in December 2024, ending thirteen long years of domestic strife.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations stated the United Nations delivered "a powerful diplomatic message" that recognised Syria was in "a new era" since Assad was deposed.

Sharaa was under United Nations restrictions as the leader of the religious organization HTS, once connected to al-Qaeda. The US removed the group from its registry of foreign terror groups this past July.

Further Restrictions Lifted

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and to friendly nations for assisting of Syria and its people."

Imminent Washington Talks

Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday occurs subsequent to US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president achieved "significant advancement" towards bringing peace to the previously divided state.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time during May, during Trump's Riyadh trip during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, Trump portrayed the Syrian as a "strong individual" having a "formative history".

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

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be his initial visit to the United States during this period. This past fall, he made history as the first Syrian leader to speak before the UN General Assembly in New York after approximately sixty years.

During his address, he said Syria was "reclaiming its rightful place within the global community" and demonstrated unity with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly for first time in almost 60 years
• The high-level talks with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes