US and UN Security Council Lift Sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab

According to international news agencies, the US Treasury Department on Friday removed Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa from its list of specially designated global terrorists. The United Nations Security Council also voted to lift sanctions on both al-Sharaa and Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab.

The resolution, introduced by the United States, received 14 votes in favor, with none against. China abstained from voting. Pakistan supported the resolution, signaling its alignment with the international consensus on Syria’s reintegration efforts.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, welcomed the decision, calling it “a strong political signal that Syria is entering a new era.” He said the lifting of sanctions could create major opportunities for the Syrian people.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, also welcomed the development, describing it as “a positive step forward for Syria as it navigates a challenging yet promising path ahead.”

The decision comes ahead of a scheduled meeting next week between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and US President Donald Trump.