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The United States' top diplomat for Syria said Damascus has shown full cooperation in efforts to broker an agreement with Israel, though Israeli skepticism continues to hamper negotiations.
Thomas Barrack, US Special Envoy to Syria and Ambassador to Türkiye , told UAE's The National newspaper that Syria has been "totally cooperative" in discussions aimed at reaching a deal with Israel. Speaking on the sidelines of the Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Barrack characterized Syria's approach as constructive while acknowledging significant obstacles remain.
The envoy's comments provide rare insight into ongoing diplomatic efforts to normalize relations between the two neighboring states, which have technically been at war since Israel's founding in 1948. Syria and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, and their shared border in the Golan Heights has remained one of the region's most sensitive flashpoints.
Barrack said Syrian officials have responded positively to American requests as Washington attempts to facilitate dialogue between Damascus and Jerusalem. "Everything we ask them to do, and dragging them towards Israel, they're doing it," he said, adding that Syria is "on the right track."
The envoy noted that Syrian leadership understands engagement with Israel forms a critical component of broader regional stability. "They know that part of the solution is a deal with Israel," Barrack said, while acknowledging that Syria faces opposition from "enemy combatants trying to disrupt this."
Despite Syrian cooperation, Barrack identified Israeli hesitation as the primary factor slowing negotiations. "Israel is not trusting yet," he said, explaining the cautious pace of diplomatic progress.
The envoy outlined his vision for a phased approach to any eventual agreement, beginning with security arrangements before advancing toward full normalization. "My personal view on the President's desire is we'll get a deal there, starting with the security and border agreement, utilisation of zones, moving towards normalisation, has to be the answer," Barrack said.
Addressing broader regional diplomacy, Barrack discussed the status of nuclear negotiations with Iran, stating that the US administration remains willing to engage but only under specific conditions. He said the president is "open to real discussions" but "not open to a senseless 'kicking the can down the road.'"
Any substantive talks with Tehran would require Iranian commitments on uranium enrichment levels and ending financial support for proxy groups across the region, according to Barrack. "If the Iranians want to listen to what this administration is saying on enrichment and stopping the funding of the proxies, it's the answer," he said.
The United States conducted five rounds of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program earlier this year before talks were interrupted by a 12-day Israeli military operation against Tehran. Barrack suggested the regional situation remains fluid, stating: "Why is it Israel did not finish the job? We are not at the end yet. It is chapter five, and we have five more chapters to go."
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