Yes, the UN Security Council did vote on Thursday, November 6, 2025, to remove sanctions on Syria's current transitional President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, and Interior Minister, Anas Khattab.
The sanctions were lifted through a US-drafted resolution (Resolution 2799 (2025)), which passed with 14 votes in favor and China abstaining. The individuals were removed from the UN's ISIL (ISIS) and Al-Qaida sanctions list, where they had been placed due to their former leadership roles in the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group, which was previously linked to Al-Qaida.
This decision comes after the ouster of the former Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad, in December 2024, and the formation of a new transitional government. The lifting of sanctions is seen as a move to support Syria's political transition and economic recovery, ahead of President al-Sharaa's planned visit to the White House to meet with US President Donald Trump. The US had already lifted its own unilateral sanctions on the two officials earlier in 2025.
- Diplomatic Signal: US Ambassador Mike Waltz stated that the decision sends a “strong political signal,” acknowledging that Syria has entered a “new era” following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. [2]
- Removal from Terrorism List: al-Sharaa and Khattab were specifically removed from the UN's ISIL (ISIS) and Al-Qaida sanctions list. This step reflects their former group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham's (HTS) severing of ties with Al-Qaida and the new Syrian government's counter-terrorism commitments. [2, 3]
- Economic Impact: The lifting of sanctions aims to facilitate Syria's economic reconstruction and stability. US Senators have also indicated that it is now time for Congress to act on removing the stringent ‘Caesar Sanctions' related to Syria. [3]
- International Reaction: The move was welcomed by several nations, including Turkey, the UK, Russia, and Pakistan. Syria's Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, described the decision as “historic and bold,” thanking the US for its support. [2, 3]
- China's Stance: Of the 15 members of the UN Security Council, 14 voted in favor of the resolution, while China abstained. China argued that the US had acted hastily without fully listening to all members' views. [2]
- Upcoming White House Visit: Following the lifting of the sanctions, President al-Sharaa will travel to the White House on Monday to meet with US President Donald Trump, marking the first such visit by a Syrian President since independence. [3]
