The UN Security Council removed sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking a significant political shift as he prepares to meet US President Trump. This change reflects a new era in Syria following the ousting of Bashar Assad.

On Thursday, the UN Security Council voted to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, a move that signifies a major political shift in Syria following the ousting of Bashar Assad. The resolution, primarily drafted by the US, was supported by 14 of the 15 UNSC members, with only China abstaining. This decision comes just days before al-Sharaa's scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump, marking the first visit by a Syrian president to the White House since Syria's independence in 1946. The sanctions were originally imposed due to al-Sharaa's past ties to al-Qaeda. The lifting of these sanctions is viewed as a crucial step towards Syria's economic recovery and political transition, with various diplomats expressing support for the resolution, while China criticized the US for not considering all member states' views.