Overview
- The United Nations Security Council lifted sanctions on Ahmed al‑Sharaa on Thursday and the U.S. delisted him on Friday, clearing travel and asset restrictions while statutory sanctions still require congressional action.
- U.S. envoy Tom Barrack and other officials say al‑Sharaa is expected to sign an agreement to join the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS during the visit, though Syrian officials have not confirmed.
- Syria’s Interior Ministry reported 61 raids and at least 71 arrests targeting ISIS cells across multiple provinces as the Washington visit got underway.
- Senators advanced a repeal of the Caesar Act through the annual defense bill, with House negotiators considering conditions such as minority protections, peaceful regional conduct, and removal of foreign fighters.
- More than 100 U.S. faith leaders urged President Trump to press al‑Sharaa for a humanitarian corridor to Suwayda and concrete protections for Christians, Druze, Kurds, and Alawites.