The United States is supporting Syria’s new president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in a strategic shift aimed at countering Iran’s regional influence and preventing the resurgence of Islamic State, according to senior U.S. officials.

A New Ally in Damascus

“US objectives, and his objectives, and all of the allies’ objectives at the moment are aligned,” said Tom Barrack, U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye and Washington’s special envoy for Syria. “Iran, on the other side, is a much more intense issue and problem for all of us.”

Al-Sharaa, who led a decisive offensive against Bashar al-Assad last year, has been positioned by Washington and European allies as a potential bulwark against regional instability. His rise, backed by Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, ended more than two decades of Assad’s Iran- and Russia-aligned rule.

Trump’s administration met with Al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia in May and agreed to suspend U.S. sanctions in exchange for commitments to exclude extremists from government and expel foreign fighters.

Doubts and Sectarian Violence

Despite U.S. hopes, Al-Sharaa’s tenure has quickly drawn criticism. Last month, more than 1,300 people were killed in sectarian clashes, during which Sharaa’s forces were accused of siding with Sunni militias and committing atrocities against Syria’s Druze minority.

Human rights groups have condemned the violence, while Israel — which has a significant Druze population — responded with military strikes against Sharaa’s forces and Syria’s Ministry of Defense in Damascus. Israel has also called for a demilitarized buffer zone near the capital.

US Ceasefire Push and Cautious Optimism

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire was implemented two weeks ago, but officials acknowledge the road to peace remains fraught. “Ultimately, they all have to get to peace,” said Barrack. “So all we’re trying to do as the US is to be an honest broker.”

While U.S. officials consider Sharaa a critical partner against Iran and ISIS, concerns persist about his past affiliations and potential for further sectarian violence.