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UN Security Council Delists Syria’s Sharaa and Interior Minister Before White House Visit

The U.S.-backed vote signals cautious normalization ahead of Ahmad al‑Sharaa’s White House visit, with key U.S. sanctions still in place.

The formal lifting of sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is largely symbolic as they were waived every time he needed to travel outside of Syria
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visits with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (off frame) during the United Nations General Assembly at the UN headquarters in New York City on Sept. 24, 2025.
Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara attends Cop30 in Brazil on November. AFP

Overview

  • The Council approved the U.S.-sponsored resolution 14–0 with China abstaining, removing Ahmad al‑Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab from the ISIL and al‑Qaida sanctions list.
  • The delisting lifts the UN asset freeze and arms embargo; travel restrictions had already been routinely waived for Sharaa’s official trips.
  • Hayat Tahrir al‑Sham was not included in the delisting after Chinese objections tied to concerns over foreign fighters, notably Uighur militants.
  • The move comes ahead of President Donald Trump’s Nov. 10 meeting with Sharaa, when Syria is expected to formalize entry into the U.S.-led anti‑ISIS coalition and press for reconstruction support and Caesar Act relief.
  • U.S. domestic sanctions under the Caesar Act still apply and require congressional action, and two Senate Foreign Relations leaders said they are working with the administration on repeal.