The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and none against, while China abstained from the vote held on Thursday.

“This is a step forward in Syria’s journey that offers immense opportunities alongside challenges. Pakistan has consistently underscored the importance of sanctions relief to support Syria’s reconstruction and reintegration with the international community.”
— Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN

The vote comes ahead of President al-Sharaa’s scheduled visit to Washington on Monday for talks with US President Donald Trump — the first such trip by a Syrian leader in modern history.

Key Developments

  • Al-Sharaa assumed power after ousting Bashar al-Assad in December 2024
  • The US delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization in July
  • Historic visit to the White House scheduled for Monday
  • Focus on counterterrorism cooperation and reconstruction efforts

International Response

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz praised the decision, stating it sent “a strong political signal that recognises Syria is entering a new era.” He emphasized that delisting the two Syrian leaders “gives the Syrian people their best chance to rebuild and move forward.”

However, China’s envoy Fu Cong criticized the process, claiming the resolution “failed to accommodate the legitimate concerns of all parties” and accused Washington of pushing its political agenda.

Syria’s Response

Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani hailed the decision as a “testament to Syria’s restored legitimacy” and thanked “the US and friendly nations for their support.”

Looking Ahead

Sharaa’s upcoming White House meeting is expected to focus on counterterrorism cooperation and Syria’s potential inclusion in the US-led alliance against the Islamic State. Diplomatic sources in Damascus also suggested plans for a new US military base near the capital to coordinate humanitarian aid and monitor regional developments.

“Trump is making a statement that Sharaa is no longer a terrorist but a pragmatic leader. Washington and Riyadh see him as a stabilizing force capable of anchoring Syria within a new regional order.”
— Nick Heras, New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy

The World Bank estimates Syria’s reconstruction costs at over $200 billion. Sharaa is expected to seek financial assistance and foreign investment during his visit to Washington to rebuild infrastructure and consolidate political control.

The Trump administration has also hinted that it hopes Syria could one day normalize relations with Israel under the broader Abraham Accords framework, though Sharaa has so far downplayed prospects of formal recognition.

Timeline of Events

December 2024
Ahmed al-Sharaa assumes power, ending 13 years of civil war
July 2025
US delists HTS as a foreign terrorist organization
November 8, 2025
UN Security Council removes al-Sharaa and Khattab from sanctions list
Monday (Upcoming)
Historic visit to White House for talks with President Trump
Syria United Nations Pakistan Diplomacy Middle East Sanctions Reconstruction