The United Nations Security Council has voted to remove sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab, signaling a major shift in international policy toward Syria. The U.S.-drafted resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China. The move comes ahead of Sharaa’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.
This decision marks a turning point in Syria’s political landscape following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December after 13 years of civil war. Assad was toppled by insurgent forces led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly known as the Nusra Front, which once served as al Qaeda’s branch in Syria before severing ties in 2016. According to a July UN report, monitors found no active ties between HTS and al Qaeda this year.
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz hailed the resolution as a “strong political signal” recognizing Syria’s transition to a new era. The United States has been pressing for months to ease restrictions, culminating in Trump’s May announcement to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria.
China’s abstention reflected concerns over counterterrorism efforts, particularly regarding Uyghur fighters linked to the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) in Syria. Chinese Ambassador Fu Cong emphasized that Syria must take firm action against terrorist groups, including ETIM. Russia’s envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, backed the resolution, saying it aligns with “the aspirations of the Syrian people.”
Syria’s UN Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi praised the decision as a “message of support” for rebuilding the nation. He vowed that the “new Syria” would become a model of constructive cooperation and mutual respect in global diplomacy.