In a historic move, the UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Syria’s interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and key government officials, just days before al-Sharaa becomes the first Syrian president to visit the White House since the country’s independence in 1946.

---

UN Security Council Vote

The resolution to remove sanctions passed with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining, sending a strong political signal that the international community recognizes a new era in Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad and his associates in December 2024.

U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated:

“The Council is sending a strong political signal that recognises Syria is in a new era since al-Assad and his associates were toppled.”

China’s UN representative, Fu Cong, expressed support for the Syrian people but raised concerns that the proposal did not fully address counterterrorism and security issues in the country.

---

Context: Historic White House Visit

The sanctions relief comes just ahead of al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington, where he is expected to meet U.S. President Donald Trump. This visit marks a diplomatic first, as no Syrian president has been hosted at the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946.

The move fulfills promises made by the Trump administration during al-Sharaa’s May 2025 meeting in Riyadh, where Trump announced he would lift or waive decades-old sanctions on Syria.

---

International and Syrian Reactions

Syria’s foreign ministry hailed the vote as a sign of growing confidence in al-Sharaa’s leadership and a diplomatic victory for the country:

“This represents the restoration of international recognition of Syria’s status and its pivotal role in the region,” Syrian officials said.

The UN-sanction relief is largely symbolic, but it lays the groundwork for al-Sharaa to reintegrate Syria into global diplomacy and advance plans for reconstruction after 14 years of civil war.

---

Syria’s Role in Anti-IS Coalition

During his Washington visit, al-Sharaa is expected to formally join the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS). The coalition, consisting of around 80 countries, seeks to prevent IS resurgence in Syria and Iraq.

Al-Sharaa’s leadership has been focused on stabilizing Syria after nearly 14 years of civil war, which ended following his forces’ successful overthrow of Assad’s regime.

---

Remaining Sanctions and Congressional Oversight

While the UN and U.S. have lifted certain sanctions, other restrictions remain, particularly those imposed under the 2019 Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which requires congressional approval for permanent repeal.

Bipartisan support is growing in Congress to remove these sanctions, with lawmakers emphasizing the importance of rebuilding Syria’s economy and encouraging international investment in post-war reconstruction.

---

Key Takeaways

• The UN Security Council lifted sanctions on President Ahmad al-Sharaa and key officials ahead of his White House visit.
• Al-Sharaa will become the first Syrian president to visit Washington since 1946.
• The sanctions relief fulfills prior commitments by the Trump administration following al-Sharaa’s May 2025 meeting in Riyadh.
• Syria is expected to join the U.S.-led anti-IS coalition, involving 80 countries.
• Remaining sanctions, including the Caesar Act, require congressional approval for permanent removal.
• The move signals a historic opportunity for Syria’s diplomatic and economic reintegration post-civil war.