High-level delegations from Syria and Israel have convened in Jordan for US-mediated talks aimed at defusing tensions following recent Israeli military strikes on Syrian soil. The meeting was prompted by recent Israeli bombardments and escalating friction in southern Syria, with both sides discussing ways to restore regional stability.
The Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, included the heads of the country's General Intelligence Directorate and Military Intelligence, according to a diplomatic source who spoke to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA). During the discussions, negotiators focused on creating concrete, practical mechanisms to halt Israeli military strikes, arrests, and targeting operations. The delegations also explored reviving security negotiations that could serve as a foundation for a more comprehensive future agreement.
However, Syria emphasized its red lines regarding national sovereignty during the discussions. The Syrian delegation asserted that Damascus is a sovereign state with the complete right to rebuild and develop its national army, as well as determine its alliances and partnerships in accordance with its own national interests, stating it would reject any mechanisms or arrangements that restrict these sovereign rights.
Regarding the status of the Golan Heights, the Syrian representatives reiterated their position that the occupied territory belongs to Syria, though they noted that discussing its final status is premature at this stage. Instead, Damascus identified its immediate priority as the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the positions they held prior to December 8, 2024, alongside the reactivation and full implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.
The regional dimension of the talks also touched upon stabilizing the broader area. This included efforts to bridge diplomatic gaps between Türkiye and Israel to prevent their bilateral tensions from spilling over into Syrian territory. Throughout the meeting, the Syrian delegation maintained that any future security arrangements must fully respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights.
