DAMASCUS — Tom Barrack is stepping down from his role as U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, effective May 2026, after the State Department decided not to renew his designation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision on X, confirming that Barrack’s tenure in the position would conclude without a successor named at this time.
Barrack was appointed U.S. Special Envoy for Syria in May 2025 and held the role concurrently with his position as U.S. ambassador to Turkey. During his year-long envoy assignment, he was involved in shaping U.S. policy toward Syria following the fall of Bashar Assad and supported efforts to stabilize the administration of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
His work included overseeing initiatives related to sanctions relief, reconstruction involving Turkey and Gulf states, and cooperation against the Islamic State. Barrack also played a role in discussions between the Syrian government and Kurdish-led forces, including mediating a ceasefire and integration pact that drew sharp criticism from Kurdish leadership, who accused him of taking an excessively “pro-Damascus” position and pressuring Kurdish groups to accept terms advanced by Ahmed al-Sharaa.
On May 17, 2026, Barrack met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus. Reflecting on U.S. engagement, Barrack said, “Syria is a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration, and hope for the entire region.”
Rubio praised Barrack’s contributions, stating, “Ambassador Tom Barrack has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria. 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.”
According to Nanar Hawach, senior Syria analyst at the International Crisis Group, “Barrack’s special envoy title has expired, but his role has not, and he remains Washington’s lead on Syria, Iraq, and Turkiye. The expiry changes little in practice, because he was already coordinating those three files together before it lapsed. By keeping him in place without naming a successor, Washington signals it wants continuity and his existing access rather than a reset on Syria.”
The State Department has not announced a successor for the Syria envoy position, though it has informed lawmakers of its “intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria.” The United States has not had an ambassador to Syria since Stephen Ford’s tenure ended in February 2014.