The U.N. Security Council on Thursday lifted sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, paving the way for al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington for talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday.
The U.S.-drafted resolution passed with 14 votes in favor, while China abstained. Washington has pressed the 15-member body for months to ease measures against Damascus, arguing that new leadership in Syria could help stabilize the country after more than a decade of conflict.
Al-Sharaa assumed power in December after anti-regime forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) ousted longtime dictator Bashar Assad in a rapid offensive. Formerly al-Qaida’s Syrian branch, HTS severed formal ties with the group in 2016 but has remained under U.N. sanctions since 2014.
U.N. monitors said in a July report that they had found no “active ties” this year between al-Qaida and HTS. Trump announced in May that Washington would lift its own sanctions on Syria, calling it a step toward rebuilding relations after years of isolation.
Syria welcomed the decision, calling it further proof of Damascus's growing diplomatic legitimacy.
In a statement on X, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said: "Once again and not for the last time, Syrian diplomacy reaffirms its active presence and its ability to make steady progress in removing obstacles and paving the way toward a more open and stable Syrian future."
Syria expressed its "appreciation to the US and friendly nations for their support to Syria and its people."
