US envoy Barrack to remain central on Syria, Iraq policy: Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday confirmed that Ambassador Tom Barrack will remain a central figure in Washington’s Syria and Iraq policy, retaining his position as the administration’s primary envoy to Ankara while extending his mandate to cover regional diplomatic efforts.

Extended Mandate Across Three Theaters

Barrack, who recently saw his formal tenure as Special Envoy to Syria expire, will continue to serve as the United States’ ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye. Rubio wrote on the social media platform X that the veteran diplomat will simultaneously manage portfolios in Damascus and Baghdad, calling him an indispensable member of the President’s team who carries the full confidence of the State Department.

Trump Administration’s Regional Strategy

The Secretary of State emphasized that Barrack will advance President Donald Trump’s strategic cooperation with the government in Syria while beginning work with the new administration in Iraq. “He will continue to play a vital role, not only as our Ambassador to the Republic of Türkiye, but also as we advance the President’s strategic cooperation,” Rubio stated, adding that the American people are well served by Barrack’s continued leadership.

Diplomatic Continuity

Rubio initially announced Barrack’s expanded responsibilities on Friday, noting that the ambassador had played an invaluable role as Special Envoy to Syria prior to his mandate’s expiration. The dual appointment underscores Washington’s effort to maintain diplomatic continuity across three critical Middle Eastern capitals amid shifting regional dynamics.