Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has appointed Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, as his special representative for Syria and Iraq.
The U.S. president wrote on X on Sunday (June 1) that Tom Barrack will advance America’s strategic cooperation with the governments of Syria and Iraq.
Trump also emphasized that Barrack will continue serving as the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and will have the full support of the U.S. Department of State.
Tom Barrack, an American investor and politician, is considered a close friend and supporter of Donald Trump and played a major role in financially supporting Trump’s 2024 election campaign.
He was appointed U.S. ambassador to Turkey in 2025 and simultaneously served as the country’s special envoy for Syria.
Two days ago, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, stated that Tom Barrack had played a valuable role as the United States’ special envoy to Syria, but that the title was “expiring.” He added that Barrack would continue to provide leadership for the Trump administration’s efforts in Syria and Iraq.
A day earlier, Rubio wrote in a post on X: “Ambassador Tom Barrack has been and continues to be one of the principal interlocutors on Syria and a trusted figure regarding Iraq.”
The U.S. Secretary of State added: “He will continue to play a vital role not only as our ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, but also in advancing the President’s strategic partnership with the Syrian government and launching our work with Iraq’s new government.”
The U.S. government has maintained close relations with Syria’s government following the rise to power of Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government in Syria.
President Donald Trump lifted sanctions against Ahmed al-Sharaa and met with him at the White House.
The United States also continues to play an active role in Iraqi political affairs, and Donald Trump has openly opposed the return of Nouri al-Maliki to power.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
