UNSC removes sanctions and delist Syrian president and his interior minister

The UN Security Council (UNSC) marked a pivotal moment on November 6, 2025, with the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2799. This resolution signifies clear international recognition of the new Syrian Transitional Government. The core of the resolution centers on delisting Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab from the international sanctions list tied to ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida (the 1267 sanctions list). The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor, while China chose to abstain, a detail that underscores the careful political balancing act within the Council.

Key Conditions and Expectations in the Resolution:

Adopted under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, Resolution 2799 explicitly expresses the Security Council's expectations that the Syrian Transitional Government will take "decisive measures" to address the following critical files:

1. Human Rights and Transitional Justice: Decisive action to protect the human rights and the safety and security of all Syrians without discrimination, in addition to promoting transitional justice.

2. Counter-Terrorism and Narcotics: Continued commitment to counter-terrorism, including confronting the threat posed by foreign terrorist fighters, alongside an obligation to combat narcotics.

3. Chemical Weapons: Non-proliferation and elimination of any remnants of chemical weapons.

4. Humanitarian Access and Political Process: Guaranteeing full, safe, rapid, and unhindered humanitarian access. The resolution also reiterates the necessity of a comprehensive, Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process, in line with the fundamental UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

🤝 International Reactions and the Official Syrian Stance

UN Security Council Resolution 2799 was met with broad approval from key nations, which viewed it as a positive step toward regional stability. The resolution was welcomed by the United States (the draft’s sponsor), the United Kingdom, Turkey, and Jordan, who voiced support for the Syrian Transitional Government's efforts to build a more prosperous future.

On the official front, the Syrian Foreign Ministry welcomed the resolution, calling it proof of "growing confidence" in the "new Syria" and its people. The Ministry affirmed that the decision demonstrated the "effective presence and ability of Syrian diplomacy to achieve steady progress" in removing obstacles and preparing the way for "a more open and stable Syrian future." This stance reflects the country's ambitions for full reintegration into the international arena after a long period of isolation.

The decision comes nearly a year after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and reflects growing international support for Syria’s transitional government. President al-Sharaa, who assumed office in early 2025, has been credited with initiating reforms and opening humanitarian corridors in coordination with international partners.

Syria news report