US Plans to Reopen Syria Embassy After 14-Year Closure

State Department notifies Congress of intent to resume embassy operations in Damascus.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 12:55pm

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The Trump administration has informed Congress of its plans to potentially reopen the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, Syria, which was shuttered in 2012 during the country's civil war. The State Department has notified lawmakers of its 'intent to implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria,' though no timeline has been provided. The move comes after the ouster of longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad in late 2024 and follows advocacy by the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, for a deeper rapprochement with the new Syrian leadership.

Why it matters

The potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Syria signals a shift in American foreign policy toward the war-torn country, as the U.S. looks to reengage with the new Syrian government after years of estrangement. This move could pave the way for greater diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, though significant issues remain between the Syrian government and Kurdish minority groups.

The details

The State Department has notified Congress that it plans to begin spending on preparations to potentially reopen the U.S. Embassy in Damascus within the next 15 days, though no timeline has been provided for when the embassy might fully reopen and be staffed on a permanent basis. The plans are part of a 'phased approach' similar to the department's plans to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, following the ouster of former President Nicolás Maduro.

  • The U.S. Embassy in Damascus was shuttered in 2012 during Syria's civil war.
  • In late 2024, longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad was ousted from power.
  • In May 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack visited Damascus and raised the U.S. flag at the embassy compound, though the embassy was not yet reopened.
  • On February 10, 2026, the State Department notified Congress of its intent to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria.

The players

Tom Barrack

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria who has advocated for a deeper rapprochement between the U.S. and the new Syrian leadership.

Bashar Assad

The longtime Syrian leader who was ousted from power in late 2024.

Ahmad al-Sharaa

The new leader of Syria following the ouster of Bashar Assad.

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What they’re saying

“Regional solutions, shared responsibility. Syria's participation in the D-ISIS Coalition meeting in Riyadh marks a new chapter in collective security.”

— Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria

What’s next

The State Department has indicated that it will begin spending on preparations to potentially reopen the U.S. Embassy in Damascus within the next 15 days, though no timeline has been provided for when the embassy might fully reopen and be staffed on a permanent basis.

The takeaway

The potential reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Syria represents a significant shift in American foreign policy toward the war-torn country, as the U.S. looks to reengage with the new Syrian government after years of estrangement. This move could pave the way for greater diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries, though significant issues remain between the Syrian government and Kurdish minority groups.