Overview
- Security Council removed President Ahmed al‑Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab from the ISIL/Al‑Qaida list in a 14–0 vote with China abstaining.
- The United States formally delisted both men as Specially Designated Global Terrorists, the UK took matching steps, and the EU said it will align its measures.
- The UN action lifts a travel ban, asset freezes and an arms embargo, though diplomats described the effect as largely symbolic given prior travel waivers.
- Major U.S. statutory sanctions, including the Caesar Act, remain in force pending congressional action, with Senate leaders saying they are working on repeal.
- The moves set the stage for al‑Sharaa’s Nov. 10 White House meeting, with U.S. officials indicating Syria could join the anti‑ISIS coalition as China presses foreign‑fighter concerns.