UN Delists Syria’s Transitional Leaders in New Shift

Security Council Meets on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts

BY: ATN News

UNHQ, New York — The U.N. Security Council on Thursday adopted a resolution removing Syria’s transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab from the ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida sanctions list, in what several diplomats described as a significant step toward supporting the country’s political transition and economic recovery.

Resolution 2799 (2025) passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from China. The measure lifts travel bans and asset freezes previously imposed under the Council’s sanctions regime, established in 1999 and expanded in 2015 to include individuals and entities linked to ISIL.

The United States, which sponsored the resolution, said the move recognizes what it called a “new era” in Syria following the December 2024 uprising that brought a transitional government to power. “Now is Syria’s chance at greatness,” the U.S. representative said, adding that the delisting aims to give Syrians “the best possible chance for a stable and prosperous future.”

The United Kingdom and France also voiced support, highlighting Syria’s recent steps to counter terrorism, advance political dialogue and address the lingering threat posed by chemical weapons. Both countries stressed that economic recovery will require continued adherence to counterterrorism and humanitarian commitments.

Russia’s delegate called the resolution “a necessary adjustment” to enable recovery efforts, while Algeria said the decision reflected the Council’s respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Syria must be rebuilt by all Syrians, without exclusion,” Algeria’s representative said.

Not all Council members endorsed the measure without reservation. China, which abstained, cited ongoing security concerns, including the presence of foreign terrorist fighters. “Syria remains in a precarious state,” its representative warned, urging the transitional government to consolidate control and build international trust.

Speaking for the Arab Group, Morocco’s representative called the adoption a “decisive turning point,” underscoring Arab support for Syria’s unity and rejection of foreign interference. She also urged increased funding for the under-resourced Syria Humanitarian Response Plan.

Syria’s representative welcomed the resolution, calling it “a badge of honor” and evidence of international confidence in the transitional government. He described the country as “turning the page on war and suffering” and pledged that Damascus would continue to pursue reconciliation and state rebuilding. “Syria extends its hand to all countries of the world,” he said.

While the resolution marks a diplomatic milestone, several delegations cautioned that challenges remain, including security threats, economic collapse and the need to finalize an inclusive political settlement under U.N. auspices.

The Council said it will continue to monitor the situation.