Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani met with US Presidential Special Envoy to Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack in Istanbul, Syrian state media said on October 8. This is an important meeting as it comes amid rumors in the region about Syria supporting Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. It also comes amid Syria’s continuing demands that Israel withdraw from areas that Israel seized in 2024 near the Golan border.
The Ambassador Barrack meeting came just after Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit to Riyadh this week. He held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “Sharaa and the Saudi crown prince discussed relations between their countries and ways to develop them, as well as regional developments and issues of mutual concern, with the aim of supporting security and stability, according to official statements on Tuesday,” the Arab Weekly noted.
Barrack has played a key role in advancing US policy in Syria. He is also envoy to Iraq, which means he coordinates US policy in a broad part of the region. “The meeting also addressed prospects for cooperation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, as well as efforts to support security and stability in the region,” Syrian state media said.
Relations between the United States and Syria have undergone a dramatic transformation since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. After decades of hostility, sanctions, and diplomatic isolation, Washington has moved toward working with Syria's new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.
During the Assad era, relations were strained by Syria's support for Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations, its close ties with Iran and Russia, and its involvement in Lebanon. The US imposed sanctions on Damascus and withdrew its ambassador in 2005, although diplomatic talks later resumed. US Secretary of State John Kerry and then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi appeared open to better ties.
Relations deteriorated following the Syrian protests in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring. The regime's violent crackdown led to the US essentially closing its embassy in 2012. The US helped provide limited support for the Syrian rebels.
US pursues closer ties with post-Assad Syria despite concerns over Sharaa's past
The fall of Assad opened a new chapter. US diplomats visited Damascus in December 2024 and established contact with the new authorities. However, some in Washington urged caution because Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa had previously led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an organization with roots in al-Qaeda. Israel also urged caution. However, US President Donald Trump has worked to do outreach to Damascus.
The major breakthrough came on May 14, 2025, when President Donald Trump met Sharaa in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The meeting, arranged with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was the first between American and Syrian presidents in 25 years. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan participated by telephone. Trump encouraged Sharaa to cooperate against ISIS, address foreign terrorist activity and pursue improved relations with Israel.
US envoy Tom Barrack plays key role in Syria rapprochement and regional security talks
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, became the central figure in the rapprochement. He visited Damascus in May 2025, raised the American flag at the US diplomatic residence, and held discussions with Sharaa. His role expanded to mediating regional security issues, including Syria's relations with Israel and the integration of armed groups into state institutions.
Syria has strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is now working with Pakistan, Turkey, and US Central Command regarding the Houthi threats. The Houthis targeted Saudi Arabia on October 7. Riyadh has backed a Yemeni government offensive against the Houthis this week.
Syria, UAE discuss stronger economic ties and regional security cooperation
As Barrack met with Syria’s Foreign Minister, the Syrian President Shara’a held a call with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “During the call, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in a manner that serves their shared interests, as well as the latest regional developments,” Syrian state media SANA said. “The two sides also explored ways to boost economic and investment cooperation and expand partnerships between the two countries, stressing the importance of continuing coordination and communication on issues of common interest.”
Syria has sought to keep out of a conflict in Lebanon. It is unlikely it will want to send more than a limited force to Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen what happens next. Barrack wrote on X on October 3 that “President Trump opened the door to Syria’s recovery. Restoring financial connectivity is how we help turn that opportunity into lasting prosperity.” He added he was “pleased to join the Treasury banking roundtable with Syrian financial leaders and U.S. banks and payment providers. Combating illicit finance, advancing credible reforms, and rebuilding confidence are essential to responsibly reconnecting Syria to the global financial system.”