Overview
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump will host al‑Sharaa at the White House on Monday, November 10, in the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the residence.
- A U.S. draft UN Security Council resolution seen by Reuters would lift UN sanctions on al‑Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, requiring nine affirmative votes and no veto to pass.
- The timing of any UN vote is unclear, and travel exemptions already granted by a sanctions committee allow al‑Sharaa to make the trip regardless.
- Trump revoked the U.S. sanctions program on Syria in June by executive order, though other restrictions tied to terrorism, human rights, and congressional measures such as the Caesar Act remain.
- The White House declined to confirm reports that Syria will join the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, and al‑Sharaa’s past leadership of HTS and prior U.S. bounty continue to draw scrutiny.