In a landmark diplomatic move, the United States and the United Kingdom officially lifted sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Friday, following a similar decision by the United Nations Security Council. This development paves the way for Sharaa’s highly anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House next week. The European Union (EU) also confirmed plans to follow suit, signaling a broader international shift in relations with Syria.

Sanctions Lifted on Key Syrian Officials

In addition to President Sharaa, the U.S. and the UK removed sanctions on Syria’s Interior Minister Anas Khattab, according to official notices posted on their government websites. The U.S. State Department described these actions as recognition of progress by the Syrian leadership after the departure of former President Bashar al-Assad. The statement highlighted efforts on counter-narcotics initiatives, the elimination of chemical weapons, and regional security contributions.

Previously, both Sharaa and Khattab had been subject to stringent financial sanctions targeting individuals linked to Islamic State (ISIS) and al Qaeda, with Sharaa designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the U.S. government.

A European Union spokesperson indicated that the U.N.’s decision to lift sanctions would be mirrored in EU measures, although certain restrictions on arms and security remain in effect.

“We remain committed to supporting a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led and Syrian-owned transition to help build a better future for all Syrians,” the spokesperson added.

U.S. Policy Shift on Syria

Washington has been actively urging the 15-member U.N. Security Council for months to ease sanctions on Syria. In a significant policy announcement in May, President Trump declared a major U.S. shift, committing to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria. This change is part of broader efforts to normalize U.S.-Syria relations and support stability in the region.

Historic White House Meeting

President Sharaa is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House on Monday, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian head of state under the new transitional government. Since seizing power in December following a rapid offensive by insurgent forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Sharaa has embarked on a series of foreign visits aimed at rebuilding diplomatic ties that had been severely strained during Assad’s presidency.

Sharaa, who was previously known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, was a senior figure in HTS and had previous affiliations with al Qaeda. He became Syria’s president in January 2025 after insurgents ousted Assad in a swift campaign. Sanctions against him, imposed by the U.S. in 2013 and the U.N. and UK in 2014, included a travel ban, asset freezes, and an arms embargo. These measures were lifted by the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, citing a lack of active operational ties between HTS and al Qaeda.

International Reactions and Future Outlook

The decision to lift sanctions reflects a cautious but significant step toward reintegrating Syria into international diplomacy. Analysts suggest this could pave the way for renewed foreign investment, humanitarian assistance, and potential regional stability. However, experts caution that security-related restrictions and oversight remain critical as Syria navigates its transitional period.

The Syrian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday, a non-working day in the country.

This historic sanction relief marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Syria relations, signaling potential shifts in Middle East diplomacy and the international community’s approach to post-conflict reconstruction in Syria.