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United Nations Security Council members approved to a United States-backed measure removing restrictions on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa prior to his Washington trip the coming week.

He became interim leader subsequent to commanding a rebel offensive that ousted the previous leader in winter 2024, concluding 13 years of civil war.

Washington's ambassador UN ambassador Mike Waltz said the UN had sent "a powerful diplomatic message" that affirmed Syria's transition into "a different period" after Assad's removal.

He had been subject to UN sanctions as the leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which was formerly linked to the terrorist network. The US removed HTS from a list of global extremist entities this past July.

More Penalties Removed

Additionally, the United Nations lifted restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister the interior minister.

The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and to friendly nations for assisting the country and its population."

Forthcoming Presidential Visit

Sharaa's White House visit on Monday comes after US President Donald Trump remarked that Sharaa had made "good progress" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The pair met on their first occasion this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia while traveling through the region.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized Sharaa as a "tough guy" with a "very strong past".

The HTS organization he led operated as the terrorist network's partner in Syria until he severed ties in 2016.

Earlier American Trip

Monday's visit does not represent his initial visit to the US during this period. This past fall, he became the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the UN General Assembly in Manhattan in almost 60 years.

In his speech, he declared the nation was "restoring its proper position among the nations of the world" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• The Middle Eastern president addresses UN General Assembly initially following approximately sixty years
• The high-level talks with the Syrian leader, unthinkable just months ago, boosts Syrians' hopes