Overview
- The Security Council voted 14–0 to remove Ahmed al‑Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the ISIL and al‑Qaeda sanctions list, with China abstaining.
- The U.N. action lifts travel bans, asset freezes and an arms‑embargo entry tied to the two officials, changes described as largely symbolic for past travel needs.
- The U.S. Treasury dropped al‑Sharaa from its Specially Designated Global Terrorist list, and the United States and Britain removed their sanctions on Friday.
- The European Union said it will align its measures with the U.N. decision, reinforcing Western efforts to re‑engage with Syria’s post‑Assad leadership.
- Broader U.S. restrictions such as the Caesar Act remain in effect unless Congress repeals them, even as Syria is expected to formalize cooperation with the U.S.‑led anti‑ISIS coalition and China cites ongoing foreign‑fighter concerns.