U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack: “Turkish-American Relations Are on the Mend”

Newly appointed U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack signals a new chapter in bilateral ties while praising Turkey’s regional leadership role. Barrack hints at progress on F-35, CAATSA sanctions, and a wider Middle East peace process, all with Ankara at the center.

On the Streets of İzmir: “This is the Heart of Real Life”

Just six weeks into his post as U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Tom Barrack visited İzmir’s historic Kemeraltı Bazaar and Kızlarağası Han, mingling with shopkeepers and sampling local delicacies like “şambali.” Calling the lively atmosphere “the heart of real life,” Barrack said kebab remains his favorite Turkish dish.

Deep Roots, Deep Emotion

Barrack’s connection to Turkey is personal. His grandfather emigrated from the Ottoman Empire to the United States in the early 1900s. “To return to where my DNA comes from, as a senior diplomat representing President Trump, is both an honor and a privilege,” he said.

He recalled emotional moments upon presenting his credentials to President Erdoğan and visiting Atatürk’s mausoleum. “Sitting on the Bosphorus and watching the continents flow into each other, it all makes sense,” he reflected. “We all want the same things—hope, peace, inspiration—for our children.”

Personal Ties, Historic Timing

Commenting on the recent Erdoğan-Trump meeting at the NATO summit in The Hague, Barrack emphasized strong personal rapport between both presidents as well as their foreign ministers, Hakan Fidan and Marco Rubio. “We are witnessing the formation of a trust-based relationship at a very significant moment in history,” he noted.

Two phone calls between Trump and Erdoğan have helped build trust, Barrack said. “This is how new dialogues start.”

Turkey’s Central Role in the Region

“Turkey has long been a key NATO ally, but never received the full recognition it deserves as a regional power,” Barrack argued. He pointed to ongoing turmoil around Turkey and added, “Changing the dialogue in the Middle East requires leadership—strong leadership.”

“Much of what’s happening in Syria is only possible thanks to Turkey and its leadership,” he added, calling Ankara a central actor in future peace efforts.

A New Dialogue for a New Generation

Barrack praised Turkey’s ability to host a diverse population and pointed to İzmir as a symbol of peaceful coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and Christians. “This should be the norm across the region.”

He argued that the Ottoman “millet” system offered valuable lessons and called for a “new dialogue—not war” for the next generation. Turkey, he said, combines military capability with a hardworking, globally aware population. “President Trump sees this,” he affirmed.

F-35 and Sanctions: A Turning Point?

Asked whether a constructive path is emerging regarding the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions, Barrack was clear: “Yes, absolutely yes.”

He emphasized that Turkey is not only a buyer but also a key manufacturer of F-35 components. “Both leaders have told their foreign ministers to resolve this,” he added. “I believe we will see a solution before year’s end.”

Barrack went further: “This is the first time U.S. and Turkish leadership are saying, ‘Let’s be offensive partners, not just defensive allies.’”

Peace Efforts in the Middle East: The Abraham Accords and Beyond

Referencing the Abraham Accords, Barrack said the Middle East is ready for a new dialogue. “Israel and the Muslim world can absolutely unite. The process began with the UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan,” he noted, citing the efforts of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Despite tensions in Gaza, Barrack expressed optimism: “I believe we’ll see a ceasefire soon. Then small steps toward de-escalation between Israel and its neighbors will follow.”

Can Syria and Israel Strike a Deal?

Asked whether a Syria-Israel agreement is feasible, Barrack replied, “Yes, I hope so.” He noted that Syrian President Ahmed Shara has publicly expressed willingness to make peace with Israel and does not harbor sectarian hatred.

He also floated the possibility of backchannel diplomacy over border security. “Eventually, it will expand into a broader dialogue about regional stability.”

“We Will Only Engage with One Nation-State in Syria”

On the future of northeast Syria, Barrack was firm: “The only entity we will engage with is the Syrian government.”

Acknowledging the role of Kurdish-led forces (SDF/PKK/YPG) in fighting ISIS alongside U.S. troops, he said these groups must be integrated into the new Syria, just as other minorities seek representation.

“The process will take time,” he concluded.

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