U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack hailed what he called a “historic and decisive turning point” in Middle Eastern affairs following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s unprecedented visit to the White House, emphasizing Damascus’s commitment to help dismantle militant networks including Hezbollah.

“Damascus will now actively assist us in confronting and dismantling the remnants of ISIS, the IRGC, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist networks,” Barrack said in a statement posted on his X account, adding that Syria would serve as “a committed partner in the global effort to secure peace.”

Barrack said President al-Sharaa’s trip —  the first by a Syrian head of state since the country’s independence in 1946 — symbolized Syria’s transformation “from isolation to partnership."

He said the meeting between President Donald Trump and al-Sharaa reflected a shared conviction that “the time has come to replace estrangement with engagement” and to give Syria “a genuine chance at renewal.”

During the talks, the two leaders agreed on a framework for security cooperation, with Damascus formally joining the U.S.-led D-ISIS coalition.

“The commitment marks Syria’s transition from a source of terrorism to a counterterrorism partner,” Barrack said.

In a follow-up trilateral session with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, Barrack said the delegations discussed integrating the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) into the new Syrian economic, defense, and civic structures. The talks also addressed “redefining Turkish-Syrian-Israeli relations” and “advancing the alignment that underpins the Israel-Hamas ceasefire,” as well as “various Lebanese border issues.”

Barrack praised Türkiye’s diplomatic role, calling it “quiet, steadfast diplomacy that builds bridges where walls once stood.” He also commended Qatar and Saudi Arabia for supporting “the resurgence of a Syrian nation state” inclusive of its “tribal, religious, and cultural constituencies.”

The ambassador said the developments reflect a broader shift in regional politics; one increasingly driven by Middle Eastern nations rather than external powers. 

“That former adversaries can become ardent allies is not new to history,” Barrack said. “What is new — and extraordinary — is that it is being achieved by the regional nations themselves rather than Western mandates.”

Barrack urged the U.S. Congress to take the “next step” by repealing the Caesar Act, a 2019 sanctions law that has hindered Syria’s postwar recovery.

“We have come far but now need one strong final push to empower the new Syrian government to restart its economic engine,” he said.

Calling the week “one to remember,” Barrack framed the White House meetings as a potential pivot not only for Syria but for the wider region.

“The path will not be smooth,” Barrack concluded. “Integration is a process, not an event — but the vision of one man is now shared by many, and it can become a reality.”