Britain Removes Sanctions on Syria’s President and Interior Minister

London, November 7, 2025 Britain has officially lifted sanctions on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and the country’s Interior Minister Anas Khattab, following a similar move by the United Nations Security Council earlier this week. The decision comes just days before President Sharaa’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week. According to a notice on the UK government’s official website, both Sharaa and Khattab have been removed from the list of individuals facing financial and travel restrictions. They had previously been under sanctions linked to groups such as the Islamic State and al Qaeda. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was once known by his militant alias Abu Mohammad al-Julani, became Syria’s president in January 2025. His rise to power came after rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) launched a rapid offensive that removed long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad from power. Sharaa’s history as a former leader in HTS and his earlier connections to al Qaeda had made him a controversial figure. In 2014, both the United Nations and Britain imposed sanctions on him, including a travel ban, asset freeze, and arms embargo. However, the U.N. Security Council lifted these restrictions on Thursday, explaining that Sharaa no longer maintains any active ties with al Qaeda. The council’s decision appears to be part of a broader diplomatic effort to engage with Syria’s new government and stabilize the region after years of conflict. By removing these sanctions, international powers may be signaling cautious openness toward renewed dialogue with Damascus. Britain’s announcement came shortly after the U.N.’s move, aligning with the global decision to ease restrictions. Officials have not yet issued a public statement beyond the official notice, but the timing suggests coordination with Washington and other allies ahead of Sharaa’s upcoming talks in the U.S. capital. Interior Minister Anas Khattab was also included in the sanctions removal. Like Sharaa, he was once listed under international measures targeting individuals accused of supporting extremist networks. With the sanctions now lifted, both leaders will have greater freedom to travel and access international assets. The Syrian government has not issued any official reaction to the British announcement. Reports note that Friday is not a working day in Syria, which may have delayed any formal comment. President Sharaa’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Trump is expected to focus on regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and possible economic aid for rebuilding Syria after years of war. The removal of sanctions could pave the way for more open diplomatic engagement between Syria and Western nations, though skepticism remains about Sharaa’s past affiliations. For now, the decision marks a major shift in how the international community views Syria’s leadership — from a figure once sanctioned for terror links to one now being cautiously welcomed back into diplomatic circles. Britain Removes Sanctions on Syria’s President and Interior Minister In a major diplomatic move, Britain has lifted sanctions on Syria’s new President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The decision comes right after the United Nations Security Council also ended its restrictions, just days before President Sharaa’s upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. Both leaders were previously under international sanctions for alleged links to extremist groups like al Qaeda and ISIS. Sharaa, once known by his militant name Abu Mohammad al-Julani, became Syria’s president in January after rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham removed Bashar al-Assad from power. The United Nations said it decided to lift the restrictions because there are no longer active connections between Sharaa and al Qaeda. The move could be part of a wider effort to bring Syria back into global diplomacy after years of isolation and civil war. Britain’s action now allows both men to travel freely and access frozen assets. The Syrian government has not yet commented, but this change could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country’s international relations.