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United Nations Security Council members approved to a US resolution ending penalties on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa before his presidential meeting the coming week.

Sharaa was named provisional head of state subsequent to commanding an insurgent campaign that drove out the former president in December 2024, bringing to a close 13 years of civil war.

The US representative Mike Waltz at the United Nations said the UN had sent "a strong political signal" that recognised Syria was in "a different period" following Assad's ouster.

Previously, he faced UN sanctions while commanding the religious organization the HTS movement, which was formerly linked to the terrorist network. Washington eliminated HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations in July.

Additional Sanctions Relief

Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief expressed satisfaction with the elimination of the penalties, posting on social media: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and to friendly nations for backing of Syria and its people."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

The Syrian leader's Washington trip this coming Monday follows US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president had made "good progress" working toward stability to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The two leaders convened initially in May, when Trump visited Riyadh while traveling through the Middle East.

After that meeting, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

His Islamist group HTS was al-Qaeda's affiliate within Syria until he severed ties during 2016.

Prior United States Journey

This week's diplomatic engagement will not be Sharaa's first trip to the US this year. During September, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to present to the global assembly at UN headquarters in almost 60 years.

During his address, he stated the country had been "restoring its proper position within the global community" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president speaks before global body on historic occasion in almost 60 years
• The high-level talks with the Syrian leader, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations