The United States has officially removed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa from the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) sanctions list ahead of his upcoming visit to Washington, signaling a major step toward Syria’s economic and political reintegration after years of civil war.

The US Department of the Treasury announced the removal on Friday, following a parallel decision by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday. The move also lifted sanctions on Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Hasan Khattab, a former fighter linked to al-Qaeda who is now part of the new Syrian government.

Context: Syria’s Transition

The sanctions rollback is part of broader efforts to remove obstacles to Syria’s reconstruction following the ouster of former leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Al-Sharaa’s removal from the SDGT list represents a symbolic and practical step to normalize relations between Syria and the international community, particularly the United States.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, described the decision as a “strong political signal” recognizing that Syria is entering a new era following the toppling of Assad and his associates.

Upcoming White House Visit

President Donald Trump is expected to host al-Sharaa at the White House on November 10, marking the first visit by a Syrian president to Washington since the civil war. Trump previously met al-Sharaa in May during a summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he announced the partial lifting of US sanctions imposed during the Assad era.

This visit aims to further strengthen Syria’s path toward economic recovery, political stability, and reintegration into international systems. Analysts say lifting these sanctions removes key barriers that previously hindered trade, investment, and reconstruction efforts.

Congressional Response

The US Congress has indicated ongoing efforts to repeal additional sanctions that remain in place, with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee emphasizing the importance of modernizing Syria’s economy. The committee welcomed the UN and US actions, noting that it is time to “bring the Syrian economy into the 21st century.”

Implications for Syria

Removing al-Sharaa from the terrorist sanctions list has several key implications:

• It clears the way for foreign investment and economic aid.
• Signals a shift in US policy toward constructive engagement with Syria’s new leadership.
• Facilitates Syria’s participation in international forums and organizations.
• Strengthens political legitimacy for al-Sharaa’s government domestically and internationally.

While al-Sharaa was previously a fighter against US forces in Iraq, his new role as Syrian president represents a dramatic transformation in Syria’s political landscape, offering hope for stability after decades of conflict.