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United Nations Security Council members voted in favour to an American proposal ending penalties on President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria prior to his White House visit the coming week.

He became interim leader after leading an insurgent campaign that ousted the previous leader in the final month of 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of internal conflict.

America's diplomat to the UN Mike Waltz declared the global body transmitted "a powerful diplomatic message" that recognised Syria was in "a fresh chapter" following Assad's ouster.

He had been subject to global penalties in his role as head of the Muslim faction the HTS movement, previously associated with the extremist organization. The US removed HTS from a list of international terrorist organizations this past July.

More Penalties Removed

The UN also removed restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The Syrian diplomatic chief welcomed the removal of these restrictions, posting on social media: "Syria expresses its appreciation toward America and allied countries for assisting the country and its population."

Upcoming White House Meeting

The Syrian leader's Washington trip at the start of the week follows US President Donald Trump stated the Middle Eastern president demonstrated "substantial headway" in establishing peace to the conflict-ravaged nation.

The two leaders convened on their first occasion during May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia during a visit to the Middle East.

Following that encounter, America's leader characterized him as a "resilient figure" having a "formative history".

The HTS organization he led was al-Qaeda's affiliate inside the country until he severed ties during 2016.

Previous US Visit

Monday's visit does not represent Sharaa's first trip to the US in the current year. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to speak before the United Nations gathering in New York for nearly six decades.

Throughout his presentation, he said Syria was "restoring its proper position across international circles" while showing support with the people of Gaza.

• Syrian leader speaks before global body on historic occasion after nearly six decades
• The presidential discussion with Sharaa, once considered impossible, elevates national expectations