US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday the appointment of Tom Barrack as special presidential envoy to Syria and Iraq.
The new designation, which comes following the expiration of Barrack’s formal mandate, reflects the administration’s push to phase in full diplomatic relations with Damascus.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “I am pleased to announce that United States Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, who has done an outstanding job, will be named Special Presidential Envoy to Syria and, likewise, Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq.”
He noted that the appointment comes as the US government continues to strengthen its strategic cooperation and as relations with the Syrian and Iraqi governments continue to grow.
Trump also said the envoy will continue his duties as ambassador to Türkiye and operate with the full support of the US State Department.
Trump then expressed appreciation for Barrack’s efforts and his readiness to serve his country, saying: “We greatly appreciate the work that Tom Barrack has done, and his continued willingness to serve our Country. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced the end of Thomas Barrack’s term as US special envoy to Syria.
Rubio said in a post on X that “Ambassador Tom Barrak has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria.”
He added, “While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country.”
Rubio did not provide details on the nature of Barrack’s new role or the person who will take over his duties, suggesting to followers that the US administration has terminated Barrack's duties as US special envoy to Syria.
Following a meeting in Damascus with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa two weeks ago, Barrack said Syria had achieved “remarkable progress” and become “a laboratory for a new regional alignment” based on diplomacy.
“Just over a year ago, President Donald Trump’s visionary meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia opened a new chapter,” Barrack wrote, referring to the first meeting between the two leaders in Riyadh in May 2025.
He added that Trump had announced at the time the lifting of US sanctions “to give Syria a chance at greatness”, describing the move as “a bold and hopeful gesture for Syria and the region.”
“The opportunities ahead promise exponential advancement for the Syrian people and lasting stability,” Barrack said.
He then noted that, “Syria is now a laboratory for a new regional alignment of diplomacy, integration and hope for the entire region.”
Last Thursday, Barrack considered the discovery and securing of undeclared chemical weapons dating back to the Assad regime era a “significant milestone” in the process of building a new Syria and strengthening international security.
In a post on X, he said, “Thanks to the courageous work carried out by the Syrian authorities and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, with the support of President Donald Trump and international partners, another step has been taken toward permanently ending Syria’s brutal chemical weapons legacy.”
Barrack held a meeting with Sharaa last April in Antalya, Türkiye, on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
Syria’s news agency, SANA, said at the time that talks during the meeting dealt with the latest regional developments, means of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in a way that boosts security and peace in the region.
