Tom Barrack Takes on Expanded Role in U.S. Relations with Syria and Iraq
The U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, has been appointed as the special presidential envoy for both Syria and Iraq, according to an announcement from President Donald Trump.
Previously, Barrack held the position of special envoy to Syria, which recently came to an end, as noted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“Ambassador Tom Barrack has played a key role as our Special Envoy to Syria,” Rubio mentioned on social media. He emphasized that while Barrack’s title was expiring, he would continue to be influential for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, leveraging his expertise and relationships to further U.S. interests.
The expansion of Barrack’s responsibilities was highlighted in a Truth Social post by Trump, who expressed his satisfaction with Barrack’s performance. “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 Iraq,” Trump stated. He also added that Barrack will continue as the Ambassador to Turkey, supported fully by the State Department.
Barrack was nominated for the ambassadorship in March 2025 and confirmed by the Senate the following month. He was designated as special envoy for Syria in May of the same year.
Rubio further remarked on Barrack’s crucial role, noting, “He will continue to play a vital role, not only as our Ambassador to Türkiye, but as we push forward the President’s strategic cooperation with the government in Syria and begin work with Iraq’s new administration.”
After the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in 2024, the U.S. has sought to enhance diplomatic ties with Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Reports from the Associated Press indicate that the State Department has communicated plans to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria after a long closure since 2012.
Last month, Trump also congratulated Ali al-Zaidi on his confirmation as Iraq’s prime minister.
