Syrian and Israeli officials hold US-brokered talks in Jordan to ease tensions

A diplomatic source at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told SANA that a high-level Syrian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani and including the heads of general and military intelligence, held a meeting on Sunday with a senior Israeli delegation. The talks, mediated by the United States and hosted by Jordan, were part of efforts to de-escalate tensions and support stability in Syria and the region.

The source explained that the meeting followed the latest Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and rising tensions in the south of the country. Discussions focused on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests, and targeted operations, as well as reviving negotiations aimed at reaching a security agreement that could serve as a foundation for a broader future accord.

During the meeting, the Syrian side emphasized that Syria is a sovereign state with the full right to rebuild and develop its national army and to determine its alliances and partnerships according to its national interests. Syria rejected any arrangements or mechanisms that would restrict these sovereign rights.

Syria also reiterated its firm position that the occupied Golan Heights is Syrian territory, stating that discussions on its final status are premature at this stage. The immediate priority, Syria said, is for Israeli forces to withdraw to pre-December 8, 2024 lines and for the full reactivation and implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The talks also addressed the importance of supporting stability in Syria and maintaining regional security, including efforts to bridge differences between Turkey and Israel and to ensure that tensions between the two countries do not spill over into Syrian territory.

According to the source, the meeting focused on taking practical steps to de-escalate the situation while exploring ways to resume negotiations. Syria stressed that any security arrangements must respect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sovereign rights.