ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The US is committed to countering threats of terrorism and supporting stability in the Middle East following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a State Department spokesperson told The New Region.

Michael Mitchell, the Arabic spokesperson for the State Department, said that Washington remains committed to ensuring Iraqis maintain control over their security while continuing to fight terrorism. 

“The United States has repeatedly warned of the malicious influence of Iran in Iraq and Syria,” Mitchell said. “It is impossible to predict what will happen in Iraq and Syria in the future.”

Mitchell commented on Syria's future following the fall of Assad’s regime, urging de-escalation during this transitional period. 

“The United States urges all parties to de-escalate during this transitional period,” Mitchell said. “This does not mean we are disregarding other parties, but during the transition, the focus must be on establishing an inclusive and representative Syrian government.”

Regarding Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, Mitchell noted that the US would evaluate the group’s actions rather than its statements. 

“It is therefore premature to discuss lifting sanctions or changing designations. We will adapt according to circumstances on the ground,” he said.

Mitchell also highlighted security concerns across Syria, stressing that the issue affects all neighboring countries. “What is happening in Syria concerns us all. These security concerns will affect all of Syria’s neighbors,” he said.

US Middle East goals

Asked about Washington’s priorities in the face of regional changes, Mitchell pointed to President Joe Biden’s remarks. 

“President Biden has stated that one of our top priorities at present is to prevent any terrorist organization from dragging Syria into further chaos or sectarianism,” he said.

“The United States urges all parties to safeguard Syria’s sovereignty in its entirety in the long term, and any military operations must be limited and temporary. We do not support the long-term seizure of any Syrian territory,” he added.

On counterterrorism efforts, Mitchell reaffirmed the importance of regional partnerships. “At present, the United States' top priority remains the fight against ISIS. Our regional partners, including the Kurds, have played an indispensable role, and the United States values these ongoing efforts,” he said.

Mitchell also noted ongoing talks with regional partners, including Turkey. “The most important message for us is that we will continue to engage with our partners to resolve these issues before they escalate into further armed conflict,” he said.

On Iraq, he stressed the US goal of Iraqi-led security. “The Biden administration seeks to continue the coalition against ISIS,” he said. “However, the ultimate goal of the United States is for the Iraqi people to take full control of security matters.”

Refugees and Humanitarian Efforts

As thousands of Syrians prepare to return home following Assad’s fall, Mitchell highlighted the challenges of ensuring their safe return. “We are still in the early days of a transitional phase following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime,” he said. “The United States encourages all countries to uphold their legal obligations under international humanitarian laws to provide full support for Syrian refugees to ensure their safe return to their homeland.”

Mitchell added that conditions remain uncertain. “The official estimate from the White House so far is that the conditions are so fluid that we cannot confirm whether the return will be safe or sustainable in the long term,” he said.

He further pointed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s focus on supporting the Syrian people. “The United States has been, and continues to be, the largest donor of humanitarian aid to the Syrian people,” he said. “According to President Biden, this will not change.”