Friday, February 20, 2026 l Dalena Reporters
The United States government has taken steps toward reopening its embassy in Damascus, Syria, more than 14 years after it was closed amid the country’s devastating civil war. The development marks a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Syria as geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East continue to change.
In a notification to the U.S. Congress, State Department officials outlined plans for a phased approach to restore diplomatic operations in Damascus, which has been without a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence since the embassy’s closure in 2012 at the height of Syria’s conflict.
According to the notice, spending authority for the embassy reopening was set to begin within 15 days of notification, though no firm timetable was provided for the return of full embassy staff or the resumption of routine diplomatic functions.
The planned reopening is tied in part to political changes in Syria notably the ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and the subsequent rise of a new governing structure under former rebel leader President Ahmad Al-Sharaa. U.S. officials have signalled that Damascus’s evolving government may now be more receptive to renewed diplomatic engagement after years of sanctions and isolation.
A key advocate for the diplomatic shift is Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy for Syria, who has publicly supported lifting U.S. sanctions and reintegrating Syria into the international community. Barrack has championed rapprochement, arguing it could stabilise the country and reduce regional tensions.
President Donald Trump has echoed public optimism about Syria’s new leadership, praising Al-Sharaa during media remarks and framing the country as “coming together” following years of conflict — a stark contrast to Washington’s posture earlier in the decade.
The announcement is part of broader discussions in Washington about redefining U.S. engagement in the Middle East after prolonged military involvement, diplomatic estrangement, and evolving alliances. However, the timeline and scope of the embassy reopening remain tentative, subject to congressional oversight and evolving regional security dynamics.
Key points:
- The U.S. embassy in Damascus, closed since 2012, is slated for phased reopening.
- Funding and planning have been authorised, but no fixed schedule has been set for full operations.
- The move follows political changes in Syria and reflects shifting diplomatic priorities.