Syria deepens diplomatic ties with US as it weighs role in Saudi conflict with Houthis - analysis
US envoy Tom Barrack met with Syria's foreign minister shortly after President Ahmad al-Sharaa held talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on bilateral ties and regional security.
Syrian Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani held talks with US Presidential Special Envoy Tom Barrack in Istanbul on October 8, amid speculation that Damascus may support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. This comes as Syria continues to demand Israel's withdrawal from territories seized in 2024 near the Golan border.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa's visit to Riyadh on October 7 preceded the meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his stay, Sharaa discussed regional developments and mutual concerns with the Saudi leader.
US envoy Tom Barrack, who coordinates US policy across the region, played a pivotal role in advancing US-Syria relations. The meeting with Shaibani addressed cooperation on security and stability issues in the region.
Relations between the US and Syria have evolved significantly since Assad's regime fell in December 2024. After years of hostility, Washington has worked to build ties with the new leadership in Damascus.
Following Assad's downfall, US diplomats initiated contact with Syria's new authorities in December 2024. However, some in Washington remained cautious due to Shaibani's past leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an organization with al-Qaeda ties. Despite this, US President Trump pursued closer relations with Syria, leading to a historic meeting between Trump and Shaara in Riyadh on May 14, 2025.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Turkey rules out launching attacks on Yemen from Saudi Arabia middleeasteye.net
- Americans in Saudi Arabia warned after Riyadh airport attacks gulfnews.com
- Turkey's foreign minister says Ankara weighing Saudi defence support, rules out offensive role al-monitor.com
- Türkiye reviews role in Saudi defence pact dailytimes.com.pk
