Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria under President Trump, said Syria could be the first country to quickly join the Abraham Accords, adding that the recent confrontation between Iran and Israel demonstrates the need for a new regional direction.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Barrack said, “Israel needs to be redefined—and it is in the process. The events between Iran and Israel have given everyone an opportunity to say, ‘enough is enough; it’s time to take a new path.’ The key to this path is Turkey.”

He added that both sides have outlined their priorities and what they can contribute to the region and the Middle East.

Barrack emphasized that Turkey is at the center of regional developments and said that much of what is happening in Syria is “led and shadowed” by Turkish influence.

Regarding the formation of a future Syrian government, Barrack stated, “The United States wants the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to be part of the new Syrian government.”

On U.S.-Turkey defense issues, Barrack noted, “The F-35 issue has been under discussion for nearly a decade. Both sides want to resolve it. The U.S. Congress is ready to reconsider the matter.”

He continued, “I believe President Trump and President Erdogan will instruct Senators Marco Rubio and Hakan Fidan to resolve this issue once and for all.”

He expressed confidence in reaching a resolution by the end of the year, citing congressional support and ongoing dialogue. Over the coming months, Barrack expects both presidents and foreign ministers to hold meetings to address all pending issues, including the F-35, F-16, S-400, sanctions, and tariffs.

“For the first time, the United States and Turkey have a shared commitment to become joint operational partners, not just defense allies,” he said.

Barrack also referenced comments by businessman Steve Witkoff, noting that many countries are ready to join the Abraham Accords but that current tensions in Gaza complicate expansion. He added that a ceasefire would create the space for gradual progress and reduced conflict with Israel.

On Turkey-Israel relations, Barrack stated, “Relations were excellent before, and they can be again. This is not a religious issue—it’s a misunderstanding over territorial claims.”

He expressed hope for parallel agreements between Israel and Syria, and Israel and Lebanon. “The region is ready for a new dialogue. People are tired of repeated cycles of violence. Through incremental steps, we can see a return to the Abraham Accords, especially once the situation in Gaza stabilizes.”

Barrack noted that “President Assad has been out of power for six months, and Israel has long regarded the previous regime as a threat. A dialogue can restart gradually.”

He added that Syrian President Ahmed Sharaa has made it clear that he harbors no religious hostility toward Israel. “There is a desire for peace on the borders, and Israel wants the same. We may see backchannel discussions evolve into broader non-military dialogue.”

“Syria will be the quickest case in this process, followed by Lebanon,” he concluded.

On the role of the SDF, Barrack stated, “In Syria, we are dealing with one state—the Syrian government. The SDF, which was once aligned with the YPG and supported by the United States against ISIS, must now integrate both militarily and politically into the new Syrian framework—just like the Alawites, Druze, and other communities seeking representation.”