Tom Barrack, the United States Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Istanbul. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaibani also attended the meeting. Barrack described the talks as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to support “peace and prosperity” in Syria.
President al-Sharaa welcomed the US decision to ease sanctions. Earlier in May, he met with President Trump in Riyadh. Following that meeting, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio approved a 180-day waiver on key sanctions. Barrack said the move allows regional partners to deliver aid, supplies and energy.
He added that the US aims to support Syria’s recovery after years of war. According to Barrack, President Trump wants Syrians to not only survive but rebuild their lives and communities.
Support for investment and economic cooperation
Barrack credited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with facilitating the US–Syria meeting. He said the message was clear: “Syria is now open for business.” Turkey is expected to invest quickly and may also expand defence ties with Damascus.
The ambassador said lifting sanctions will help regional donors and businesses return. He noted strong interest from Turkey, Gulf countries, Europe and the US. Barrack called the meeting a turning point and said both nations are ready to move forward with development and investment.
He also stated that easing sanctions helps with the long-term defeat of ISIS. Barrack praised President al-Sharaa for addressing issues such as foreign fighters, counter-terrorism, and camp conditions in northeast Syria.
Progress on humanitarian issues and missing Americans
Barrack announced a breakthrough in talks about missing US citizens. He confirmed that Syria has agreed to help locate and return Americans or their remains. Among those mentioned were journalist Austin Tice, aid worker Kayla Mueller, and Majd Kamalmaz.
Tice has been missing for more than a decade. Mueller died while held by ISIS. Barrack said the US is committed to bringing these families closure. He also praised Congressman Abe Hamadeh for advocating on behalf of the Mueller family.
Syrian state media reported on the meeting and shared support from US officials. Republican Robert Arlett said lifting sanctions could help Syria rebuild. He added that President Trump’s visit to the Middle East opened new paths for cooperation and economic growth.
