The U.S. Embassy in Syria announced on Tuesday that American officials held discussions with Syria’s new interim administration in Damascus, focusing on the importance of a comprehensive political process for the country’s future.

Key topics addressed during the meeting included the protection of U.S. citizens, efforts to determine the fate of disappeared Americans, the ongoing fight against ISIS, and strategies to limit Iran’s influence in Syria.

In a statement shared on X, the U.S. Embassy emphasized the discussions’ objectives:
“U.S. officials met with interim authorities in Damascus & raised the need to: protect U.S. citizens & ascertain the fate of disappeared American citizens; maintain the fight against ISIS; prevent Iran from resurging in Syria; fully represent all Syrians & ensure an inclusive political process.”

The talks occur as Syria navigates a transitional phase following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. The country faces significant challenges in rebuilding its political framework while addressing the concerns of domestic factions and international stakeholders.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who serves as Syria’s de facto leader, addressed the complexity of the transition during interviews with Saudi broadcasters Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath. Al-Sharaa noted that organizing elections could take up to four years, citing the need for a comprehensive population census and the drafting of a new constitution. He estimated the census would require a year, while constitution drafting could take up to three years.

The transitional government, led by interim Prime Minister Mohamed al-Bashir—an appointee of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—is overseeing this process. Bashir’s administration has pledged to dissolve armed factions, including HTS itself, and incorporate them into state-controlled institutions to establish a unified government.

As the transitional authorities face mounting domestic and international pressure, the meeting marks a critical step in fostering dialogue aimed at stabilizing Syria and addressing its long-standing conflicts.