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The UN Security Council voted in favour to an American proposal removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his White House visit the coming week.

He was appointed provisional head of state subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that removed Bashar al-Assad in the final month of 2024, concluding 13 years of internal conflict.

Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "an emphatic political statement" that recognised Syria was in "a different period" since Assad was deposed.

He had been subject to UN sanctions while commanding the Muslim faction HTS, previously associated with the extremist organization. The US removed HTS from a list of foreign terror groups during July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted sanctions on Syrian Interior Minister Minister Anas Khattab.

Syria's foreign minister welcomed the removal of these restrictions, stating online: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and to friendly nations 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 President Trump remarked that Sharaa achieved "significant advancement" in establishing peace to the war-torn country.

Both presidents held discussions for the first time during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through the region.

Subsequent to that discussion, Trump portrayed Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history".

His former militant faction operated as the terrorist network's partner inside the country prior to breaking relations in 2016.

Previous US Visit

The upcoming meeting will not be the president's debut journey to the United States this year. This past fall, he emerged as the first Syrian leader to address the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

During his address, he said Syria was "regaining its deserved status among the nations of the world" and demonstrated unity with Palestinian citizens in Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president presents to international community for first time after nearly six decades
• Trump's meeting with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes