US Proposes UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions on Syrian President al-Sharaa

The United States has proposed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council to lift sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his scheduled visit to the White House. The resolution would also remove sanctions on Syria’s Interior Minister, Anas Khattab. The timeline for a vote on the draft remains unclear.

A Security Council resolution requires at least nine affirmative votes and no vetoes from permanent members — the US, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom — to be adopted. Washington has been urging the 15-member council for months to ease sanctions on Syria.

Al-Sharaa’s visit marks a significant diplomatic engagement following Syria’s prolonged conflict. After 13 years of civil war, President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December by insurgent forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), formerly the Nusra Front and al Qaeda’s official wing in Syria until 2016. Since May 2014, HTS has been on the UN Security Council sanctions list, which includes a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo. Al-Sharaa and Khattab are among the sanctioned individuals.

Despite sanctions, the Security Council’s committee has regularly granted al-Sharaa travel exemptions, ensuring his likely ability to visit the United States even if the draft resolution is not adopted before the meeting. This move follows US President Donald Trump’s policy shift in May, signaling intentions to lift US sanctions on Syria.

UN sanctions monitors have reported no “active ties” this year between al Qaeda and HTS, supporting the US stance on easing restrictions. The proposed resolution reflects growing efforts to normalize diplomatic relations and encourage engagement with Syria following years of civil conflict and international isolation.