The United States' newly-appointed Syria envoy said he believed peace between Syria and Israel was achievable as he made his first trip to Damascus on Thursday, praising the Islamist-led government and saying it was ready for dialogue.

The symbolic raising marks the first time the U.S. flag has flown above Damascus since Washington shut down its embassy in response to deadly violence.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani (2nd L) looks on as US special envoy for Syria, the Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barrack, raises the flag of the United States at the US envoy's residence in Damascus during an official ceremony held on May 29, 2025. (RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images)