A U.S. diplomatic delegation, including Barbara Leaf and Roger Carstens, visited Syria for the first time post-Assad, meeting with de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The discussions focused on fostering an inclusive government, ensuring minority representation, and combating terrorism. Al-Sharaa has called for the lifting of sanctions and claims a more moderate governance approach, though skepticism remains due to his past ties to extremist groups. U.S. efforts also target the search for journalist Austin Tice. The meeting signals a significant shift in U.S. policy towards the transitional government following Assad's ousting.