Syrian, Israeli delegations meet under U.S. mediation to de-escalate
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – A high-level Syrian delegation on Sunday held talks with an Israeli delegation under U.S. mediation in Jordan, as the two sides sought to ease tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory.
The Syrian delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad al-Shaibani and included the heads of the General Intelligence and Military Intelligence services, a diplomatic source at Syria’s Foreign Ministry told SANA.
The meeting focused on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests and other targeting operations, while reviving negotiations on a possible security agreement.
The Syrian delegation stressed that Damascus has the sovereign right to rebuild and develop its armed forces and determine its alliances and partnerships in line with its national interests.
The delegation rejected any arrangements that could restrict Syria’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Syria also reiterated that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory but said discussions over its final status were premature. Damascus said its immediate priority was the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held before Dec. 8, 2024, and the reactivation and full implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The talks also addressed regional stability and efforts to prevent tensions between Turkey and Israel from spilling over into Syrian territory.
The meeting came days after Israeli airstrikes targeted Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib Governorate, northwestern Syria, amid growing tensions over Israel’s military presence in southern Syria and concerns over potential Turkish involvement at the base.
According to the diplomatic source, the discussions focused on practical steps to reduce tensions and create conditions for a return to negotiations, with Damascus insisting that any future security arrangements must respect Syria’s sovereignty and national interests.