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.
Syria's foreign and defence ministers met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss expanding military, political and economic cooperation, with a focus on strategic collaboration in defence industries, Syria's state news agency SANA reported.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday that the military would never fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip for security reasons and that a civilian-military army unit would be established in the Palestinian enclave.
Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, met on Monday with Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, FM of Oman, to review bilateral relations and discuss regional and international developments.
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