US Diplomats Visit Damascus, Emphasize Iran’s Exclusion from Syria's Reconstruction

In a historic first since the Syrian Civil War began in 2012, a senior U.S. diplomatic delegation, led by Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf, visited Damascus this week. The visit marks the beginning of a new diplomatic chapter following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Leaf made a clear statement regarding Iran’s role in Syria’s future, emphasizing that Iran would "have no role whatsoever" in the country's rebuilding efforts. She condemned Iran’s long history of "predatory and destructive behavior" in Syria and reinforced the U.S. stance on preventing Iranian influence in the region.

The visit also highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to supporting Syria’s transition into a democratic and stable nation. Leaf noted that the Syrian people have a rare opportunity to rebuild their country after more than five decades of Assad’s oppressive rule. The U.S. government plans to monitor Syria’s progress closely, ensuring that the country’s new leadership adheres to principles of accountability and justice, particularly regarding war crimes committed during the civil war. Leaf emphasized the importance of international support to address the massive documentation of these crimes and mass graves across the country.

As part of the U.S.’s evolving strategy in Syria, Leaf also suggested that Turkey, a neighboring country, might play a larger role in supporting Syria’s sovereignty and stability. The U.S. remains focused on ensuring that Syria can stand on its own two feet, free from external interference and threats such as drug trafficking and instability.

During the visit, the U.S. delegation made the decision to remove the bounty on Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of Hayʼat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), signaling a potential shift in U.S. policy towards certain factions in Syria. This move reflects the U.S. aim to focus on rebuilding Syria and facilitating a new era of peace and unity for its people.

The visit also underscored a shared goal: to help Syria recover from years of brutal civil war and dictatorship, and to move towards a democratic and stable future.