Tammy Bruce: Our Goal in Syria Is the Enduring Defeat of ISIS

Tammy Bruce: We Are Working Toward a Stable and Prosperous Syria

During the U.S. State Department’s weekly press briefing, spokesperson Tammy Bruce opened her remarks by addressing the situation in Syria—a rare occurrence and the second time Syria has been mentioned at the outset since the new U.S. administration took office. Previously, references to the Syrian file were generally made only in response to journalists’ questions, rather than being highlighted in opening statements.

The first such mention occurred the day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria. In the most recent briefing, held on the previous Tuesday, Bruce stated:

“Now, turning to Syria, where several key steps were taken over the weekend to realize President Trump’s vision for a prosperous Middle East and a stable Syria at peace with itself and its neighbors.”

The cessation of sanctions against Syria will advance our primary objective, the enduring defeat of ISIS, by giving the people of Syria a chance for a better future. – @StateDeptSpox pic.twitter.com/V12iTDDBTA

— Department of State (@StateDept) May 27, 2025

Bruce revealed that U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barrack, has been officially appointed as the U.S. Special Envoy to Syria. According to reports, Barrack held a meeting in Istanbul with Syrian Transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shibani—an encounter viewed as symbolically significant and potentially indicative of a shift in the U.S. approach to the Syrian file.

In a related development, Bruce announced key steps concerning the easing of sanctions on Syria. She stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a temporary exemption for Syria from the “Caesar Act” sanctions for a period of 180 days. On the same day, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued General License No. 25, alongside a set of additional relief measures.

Bruce emphasized that these measures are part of a broader coordination effort with regional and international partners, aimed at encouraging investment in Syria and fostering an environment conducive to stability. She also clarified that the lifting of sanctions does not signal a departure from security objectives, noting that efforts remain focused on ensuring the lasting defeat of ISIS by enabling the Syrian people to build a secure and prosperous future.