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Al‑Sharaa’s UN Debut Signals Syria’s Diplomatic Return and Bid for Sanctions Relief

A former HTS commander, he framed Syria as ready for reconstruction, promising accountability to win support.

Syria President Ahmad Al-Sharaa speaks during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Heather Khalifa)
President of Syria Ahmad al-Sharaa speaks during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the United Nations headquarters on September 24, 2025 in New York City. World leaders convened for the 80th Session of UNGA, with this year’s theme for the annual global meeting being “Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa concludes his remarks during the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly

Overview

  • Ahmed al‑Sharaa delivered the first Syrian presidential address to the UN General Assembly in roughly six decades, urging a complete end to Assad‑era sanctions and inviting investment for rebuilding.
  • He condemned Israeli airstrikes and affirmed commitment to the 1974 disengagement deal as Israel signaled talks would require demilitarizing southwest Syria and safeguarding Druze communities.
  • Sharaa’s New York schedule included a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and high‑profile forums, following Trump’s earlier moves to ease some sanctions, remove a $10 million bounty, and support deeper engagement.
  • Significant constraints remain, with the toughest U.S. sanctions under the Caesar Act still needing congressional action before broader economic normalization can proceed.
  • Sharaa pledged UN access and fact‑finding into wartime abuses, yet independent reporting describes sectarian killings and alleged atrocities by government‑aligned forces, complicating appeals for aid and recognition.