US to Gradually Reopen Embassy in Syria

The administration of Donald Trump has formally notified Congress of its intention to move forward with plans to gradually reopen the US Embassy in Damascus, more than a decade after it was closed in 2012.

According to a memorandum reviewed by the Associated Press, the notification was sent earlier this month to congressional committees, outlining the State Department’s phased approach to resuming diplomatic operations in Syria.

The notice, dated February 10, stated that funding for the reopening process would begin within 15 days, though it did not provide a specific timeline for full operational status or the permanent return of US personnel to Damascus.

The reopening has reportedly been under consideration since last year, shortly after the fall of Syria’s former government in December 2024. The initiative has been a priority for US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack, who has advocated deeper engagement with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Barrack has supported efforts to lift US sanctions and facilitate Syria’s reintegration into regional and international frameworks. In May, he visited Damascus and raised the US flag at the embassy compound, despite the mission not yet being officially reopened.

On the same day the administration notified Congress, Barrack praised Syria’s decision to join the international coalition against the Islamic State, even as US forces withdrew from a strategically significant base in southeastern Syria.

Earlier this month, Syria’s Defense Ministry took control of the Al Shaddadi military base in northeastern Syria following coordination with US officials. This followed the US evacuation of the Al Tanf base near the Jordanian Iraqi border.

Meanwhile, Syria’s General Authority for Civil Aviation and Air Transport has assumed management of Qamishli International Airport in Hasakah province, as part of an agreement between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. Officials conducted an onsite inspection to assess operational, technical and administrative readiness ahead of plans to resume airport operations.