The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council proposing the removal of sanctions on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The move comes ahead of al-Sharaa’s scheduled visit to the White House for bilateral talks with President Donald Trump.
The resolution aims to delist both officials from international sanctions imposed due to their past affiliations with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group formerly linked to al-Qaeda. The proposal reflects a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Syria following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December.
To pass, the resolution requires nine affirmative votes from the 15-member Security Council and no vetoes from permanent members. While no vote date has been confirmed, diplomatic discussions are underway.
Al-Sharaa has received multiple travel exemptions this year, allowing him to attend international meetings despite existing restrictions. His visit to Washington is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation and post-conflict reconstruction.
HTS led the offensive that removed Assad and has since distanced itself from al-Qaeda. Recent assessments suggest no active ties between the two groups, prompting calls to reevaluate the sanctions framework.
U.S. officials argue that lifting sanctions could facilitate diplomatic engagement and humanitarian access. They describe al-Sharaa as a transitional figure capable of stabilizing Syria’s fractured political landscape.
However, critics warn that removing sanctions may legitimize HTS leadership prematurely. Some Security Council members have expressed concern about the lack of transparency and accountability in Syria’s new administration.
The White House has not commented on the resolution but confirmed the upcoming meeting. The visit marks the first by a Syrian head of state to Washington in over a decade.
As the Security Council weighs its decision, the outcome could signal a broader recalibration of international policy toward Syria. Whether the resolution passes or stalls, al-Sharaa’s visit underscores shifting dynamics in a region long defined by conflict.
