Tom Barrack

Iraq closes southern border crossing with Iran amid US pressure on Baghdad

Iraq is in the spotlight because Iran continues to pressure Iraq to expel Kurdish Iranian opposition groups. The US is pressuring Iraq to rein in Iranian-backed militias.

Iraqi security forces stand at the Shalamcheh border crossing with Iran after Iraq closed the crossing following airstrikes on the Iranian side that security sources said killed an Iraqi citizen, Iraq, April 4, 2026.
S Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack accompanies US President Donald Trump (not seen) during a press conference following the annual NATO Summit at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Turkey on July 8, 2026; illustrative

What does Tom Barrack's warning on Saudi Arabia reveal about US Middle East policy? - analysis

FILE PHOTO: US Special Envoy for Syria and Iraq Tom Barrack speaks to members of media at the United Nations headquarters in New York City, US, September 24, 2026.

Trump envoy kept financial ties to firm behind $15 billion Hormuz-bypass oil pipeline plan

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa meets US Special Envoy Tom Barrack in Damascus, Syria, December 1, 2025.

Syria deepens diplomatic ties with US as it weighs role in Saudi conflict with Houthis - analysis


Lebanon's cabinet meets to discuss Hezbollah's arms after US pressure

Pressure from the US and Hezbollah's domestic rivals for the group to relinquish its arms has spiked following last year's war with Israel.

 (Illustrative) Protesters, mainly Houthi supporters, hold up weapons as they rally to show support to Palestinians and Lebanon's Hezbollah in Sanaa, Yemen November 8, 2024.

Lebanon can’t get past talk of Hezbollah disarmament - analysis

"The government and Hezbollah need to fully commit and act now in order to not consign the Lebanese people to the stumbling status quo," Barrack wrote.

 US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.

SDF leader meets French foreign minister as Paris prepares Syria negotiations - analysis

French foreign minister reaches out to Syrian Democratic Forces as Paris also juggles discussions with Turkey and Israel regarding key issues in Syria.

SDF commander Mazloum Abdi, attends an interview with Reuters in al-Shadadi, Syria June 13, 2025.

Syrian, Israeli officials discuss de-escalation in Paris meeting, US envoy says

"Our goal was dialog and de-escalation, and we accomplished precisely that," Barrack said in a statement on social media website X.

 Druze residents protest near the Israeli-Syrian border fence in solidarity with their community in Syria, July 16, 2025.

Israel's Dermer to meet Syrian FM, US envoy Barrack in Paris to discuss southern Syria

Dermer will also discuss the upcoming Iranian nuclear negotiations with European officials, ahead of the talks between European nations and Iran that will take place in Istanbul.

Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer; illustrative.

US warns Syria's Sharaa that 'there is no plan B for his government'

US envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack warned Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa that the country needs to recalibrate its policies, pointing out there is "no plan B."

 Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends an interview with Reuters at the presidential palace, in Damascus, Syria March 10, 2025.

US tries to claw back influence in Middle East after crisis in Syria - analysis

US Special Envoy to Syria Ambassador Thomas J. Barrack has been under a spotlight in the last two weeks as US policy continues to face challenges.

 US special envoy for Syria, the ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack attends a flag-raising ceremony at the US ambassador's residence in Damascus on May 29, 2025 for the first time since 2011.