Syria’s Sharaa in New York Renews Call for US to Formally Drop Sanctions
Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader, led rebel forces that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government last year. During the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, he renewed his call for the United States to formally drop sanctions on Syria.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was seen shaking hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on September 22, 2025.
Syria’s Sharaa in New York Renews Call for US to Formally Drop Sanctions
Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former al-Qaeda leader who led rebel forces that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government last year, has renewed his appeal for the United States to formally lift sanctions on Syria.
The call was made during the 80th United Nations General Assembly held in New York City.
In a notable moment on the sidelines of the assembly, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was seen shaking hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on September 22, 2025.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shakes hands with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York City, US, September 22, 2025. (Photo credit: REUTERS/BING GUAN/POOL)
Sharaa emphasized that the sanctions have significantly impacted Syria’s recovery and stability following the government’s downfall and urged the US government to reconsider its stance.
