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Syria’s President Ahmad Al-Sharaa delivered a groundbreaking address to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday, marking the first time a Syrian leader has spoken at this prestigious global forum since 1967. The former rebel commander, who led the dramatic overthrow of Bashar Assad’s regime in December 2024, used his historic platform to warn against escalating Middle East tensions while calling for international support against Israeli military actions.

Direct Warning About Israeli Military Actions

Al-Sharaa issued a stark warning to the international community, stating that Israel’s continued strikes against Syria threaten to unleash “new crises and struggles in our region”. The Syrian leader emphasized that Israeli policies contradict international support for Syria and endanger regional stability. Since taking power, Al-Sharaa revealed that Israel has conducted over 1,000 airstrikes on Syrian territory and executed at least 400 ground incursions.

“Israeli strikes and attacks against my country continue, contradicting the international support for Syria and threatening new crises and struggles in our region,” Al-Sharaa declared during his address. Despite these aggressive actions, he reaffirmed Syria’s commitment to dialogue and adherence to the 1974 disengagement agreement with Israel.

Call for Complete Sanctions Relief

The Syrian president made an urgent appeal for the complete lifting of all international sanctions imposed during the Assad era, arguing they should not serve as punishment for ordinary Syrian citizens. Al-Sharaa emphasized that sanctions continue to “shackle the Syrian people” and hinder the country’s reconstruction efforts.

President Trump had previously met with Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia and announced plans to lift decades of sanctions, subsequently taking steps to remove many restrictions. However, the most stringent sanctions imposed by Congress in 2019 under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act still require congressional approval for permanent removal.

Security Agreement Negotiations with Israel

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack revealed that negotiations are progressing toward a de-escalation agreement between Syria and Israel. The proposed deal would involve Israel halting cross-border attacks in exchange for Syria refraining from positioning heavy equipment near the Israeli border.

Al-Sharaa expressed cautious optimism about reaching a security pact, stating that Syria feels “threatened” by Israel's ongoing military operations. “We are fearful of Israel, not the other way around,” he remarked at a Middle East Institute event in New York. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed ongoing negotiations but emphasized that any agreement must ensure Israel's interests, including southwestern Syria’s demilitarization and Druze minority protection.

Transformation from Militant to International Statesman

Al-Sharaa’s appearance at the UN represents a remarkable political transformation from leader of the once-designated terrorist organization Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham to internationally recognized head of state. The US formally removed HTS from its foreign terrorist organizations list in July 2025, citing changes on the ground and Al-Sharaa's new government efforts.

During his New York visit, Al-Sharaa engaged in high-profile diplomatic meetings including discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French President Emmanuel Macron. In a symbolic moment highlighting his transformation, he participated in an interview with former US General David Petraeus, who had previously detained him during the Iraq War between 2006 and 2011.

Syria’s Institutional Rebuilding Efforts

Al-Sharaa outlined significant progress in rebuilding Syria’s governmental institutions and establishing rule of law. He announced the formation of fact-finding commissions to investigate sectarian violence and granted UN investigators access to examine recent killings. “I guarantee to bring to justice everyone accountable and responsible for bloodshed,” he pledged during his address.

The new Syrian government has restructured civil and military institutions, dissolved previous bureaucracy, and established what Al-Sharaa described as a “government of competence”. Elections for a new legislative council are planned as part of the transitional process.

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Regional Solidarity and Palestinian Support

In his concluding remarks, Al-Sharaa expressed solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, stating that Syria’s own suffering compels them to “stand firmly with the people of Gaza, its children and women”. He called for an immediate end to the conflict, emphasizing that Syria’s experience with war and destruction makes them acutely aware of such horrors.

International Response and Future Outlook

The international community has responded with cautious optimism to Syria’s new leadership direction. Major regional and international companies have begun entering the Syrian market, contributing through investment and reconstruction projects. Al-Sharaa thanked countries that supported Syria's transition, specifically mentioning Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States and European Union.

Al-Sharaa’s historic UN address signals Syria’s determined effort to rejoin the international community after decades of isolation under Assad’s rule. His message that Syria has transformed “from an exporter of crisis to an opportunity for peace” reflects ambitious goals for regional stability. However, ongoing negotiations with Israel and the complex process of institutional rebuilding will determine whether these diplomatic overtures translate into lasting peace and stability in the volatile Middle East region.

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