The recent conflict between Iran and Israel presents a critical opening for renewed peace efforts in the Middle East, according to Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria.
Tom Barrack © MEST
The recent conflict between Iran and Israel presents a critical opening for renewed peace efforts in the Middle East, according to Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy for Syria.
Speaking on Sunday, Barrack stressed the importance of establishing peace agreements between Israel, Syria, and Lebanon, describing the current moment as a rare diplomatic opportunity.
“President al-Sharaa has indicated he does not hate Israel and wants peace along that border,” Barrack said. “I believe the same is possible with Lebanon. An agreement with Israel is necessary.”
The envoy called the aftermath of the Iran–Israel war a chance to reset regional dynamics.
“What just happened between Israel and Iran is a moment for all of us to say, ‘Pause! Let’s build a new path,’” he said, adding that Türkiye plays a key role in shaping this new regional order.
Barrack also addressed ongoing tensions between Turkey and the United States, particularly over Ankara’s removal from the F-35 fighter jet program and the U.S. sanctions imposed on Turkey. He expressed optimism about resolving these disputes.
“I’m confident we will have an opportunity to find a solution by the end of the year,” he said, signaling hope for a thaw in bilateral defense and economic relations.
The remarks reflect growing momentum for both regional reconciliation and diplomatic resets, as the fallout from the Iran–Israel conflict prompts a reevaluation of alliances and priorities in the Middle East.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted the first direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in decades on Tuesday and both sides said they held positive discussions although it was not immediately clear if they agreed to a framework for peace.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has signaled his country's desire for full normalization with Lebanon, just ahead of a key round of peace talks scheduled in Washington.
Israeli and Lebanese envoys will meet for U.S.-mediated talks in Washington on Tuesday as U.S. President Donald Trump seeks to calm weeks of Israeli fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah that has threatened to derail a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
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