Istanbul, June 2, 2025 — U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Thomas J. Barrack, lauded Türkiye’s pivotal role in mediating Russia-Ukraine peace talks and shaping U.S. policy in Syria during an exclusive interview with NTV on Monday. The discussion, conducted in Istanbul, shed light on the United States’ foreign policy priorities under President Donald Trump’s second administration and highlighted Türkiye’s growing influence in regional affairs.
“A Traditional Relationship with Both Russia and Ukraine”
Barrack praised Türkiye’s unique position as a NATO member with longstanding ties to both Russia and Ukraine, enabling it to serve as a key mediator in the ongoing peace negotiations. “Türkiye has a traditional relationship with both Russia and Ukraine, which makes it an important mediator in establishing dialogue,” he told NTV. He cited Türkiye’s previous success in facilitating a grain export deal as evidence of its diplomatic capabilities in navigating complex geopolitical challenges.
The ambassador also highlighted the strong personal rapport between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Trump, describing it as a cornerstone for enhanced U.S.-Türkiye cooperation. However, he noted that President Trump’s patience with the stalled Russia-Ukraine talks is waning, indicating a push for progress in the negotiations.
“Working with Türkiye to Limit Terrorism in All Areas”
A key focus of the interview was U.S. policy in Syria following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Barrack outlined the United States’ commitment to preventing the resurgence of the Islamic State (ISIS) and fostering stability in the region. He emphasized efforts to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), known in Türkiye as the YPG, into Syria’s new transitional government led by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. “Our goal there is to eliminate ISIS. We are working with Türkiye and the rest of the region to limit terrorism in all areas. We are striving to integrate the SDF into the new government,” Barrack told NTV.
Addressing tensions over U.S. support for the SDF, a group Türkiye links to the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, Barrack stressed a collaborative approach. He underscored the importance of aligning U.S. counterterrorism efforts with Türkiye’s regional priorities to ensure stability in Syria.
Barrack also discussed the U.S. decision to lift decades-long sanctions on Syria, announced by President Trump during a meeting with Sharaa in Riyadh on May 14. “Trump, Erdoğan, and [Saudi Arabia’s] Prince Mohammed bin Salman accomplished a tremendous job, and the sanctions have been lifted,” he said. The move aims to support Syria’s reconstruction by facilitating humanitarian aid and foreign investment after 14 years of civil war.
On the U.S. military presence in Syria, Barrack clarified that there would be no full withdrawal or increase in troop numbers. Instead, the U.S. plans to reduce its footprint while prioritizing counterterrorism. “Our policy in Syria will not be like it has been for the last 100 years, because that hasn’t worked,” he told NTV, signaling a shift in U.S. strategy.
“A Valued NATO Partner”
Barrack described Türkiye as a critical NATO ally, emphasizing its contributions to counterterrorism and support for Ukraine. “Türkiye is a valued NATO partner,” he said, highlighting its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The ambassador’s comments reflect the U.S.’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties to address shared regional challenges.
The interview also referenced Türkiye’s recent diplomatic efforts, including President Erdoğan’s meeting with Syria’s interim president on May 24 in Istanbul. Barrack noted that such engagements demonstrate Türkiye’s growing influence in shaping the region’s future.
Barrack’s Dual Role and Background
As U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria, Barrack plays a central role in advancing U.S. interests in the region. A billionaire real estate investor and longtime associate of President Trump, he was confirmed as ambassador by the U.S. Senate on April 29, 2025, in a 60-36 vote. His appointment followed scrutiny over a 2021 indictment for allegedly acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the United Arab Emirates, charges from which he was acquitted in 2022. Barrack’s business experience and personal ties to Trump position him as a key figure in navigating U.S.-Türkiye relations and Syria policy.
Challenges in Bilateral Relations
Despite the focus on cooperation, challenges in U.S.-Türkiye relations persist. Türkiye’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system has led to U.S. sanctions and its exclusion from the F-35 program. Barrack acknowledged the need for legislative action to address this issue but offered no further details during the NTV interview. Türkiye’s domestic policies and its support for International Criminal Court actions against Israeli leaders have also sparked debate, though Barrack avoided commenting directly, focusing instead on diplomatic collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Barrack’s NTV interview underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to leveraging Türkiye’s strategic role to advance U.S. objectives in the Middle East. By emphasizing dialogue and partnership, the ambassador signaled a desire to move beyond past tensions and build a cooperative framework to address regional challenges, from Syria’s reconstruction to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As Türkiye continues to assert its diplomatic influence, Barrack’s dual role will be critical in shaping U.S.-Türkiye relations.
The full interview, broadcast on NTV on June 2, 2025, provides a clear perspective on the evolving dynamics of U.S. foreign policy and Türkiye’s central role in the region.
