Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks in Jordan to ease tensions

Damascus: Senior Syrian and Israeli delegations held talks in Jordan on Sunday under US mediation, focusing on de-escalation and efforts to revive negotiations toward a security agreement, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported, citing a diplomatic source.

The high-level Syrian delegation was headed by foreign affairs chief Asaad al-Shaibani and included the heads of the general and military intelligence services, while Israel was represented by a senior delegation, according to the source.

The Jordan-hosted meeting was held as part of efforts to reduce tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and escalating tensions in southern Syria, as well as to support stability in Syria and the wider region, reports Xinhua news agency.

The discussions focused on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests and targeting operations and reviving negotiations with the aim of reaching a security agreement that could lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive accord in the future, the source said.

The Syrian delegation stressed that Syria is a sovereign state and has the right to rebuild and develop its national army and determine its alliances and partnerships in accordance with its national interests.

Damascus would not accept any arrangements or mechanisms restricting those sovereign rights, the source added.

The Syrian side also reiterated its position that the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights is Syrian territory, while noting that discussion of its final status and the path toward resolving the issue remains premature at the current stage.

Damascus said its immediate priorities are the withdrawal of Israeli forces to positions held before Dec. 8, 2024, and the full restoration and implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

The talks also addressed efforts to narrow differences between Türkiye and Israel and prevent tensions between the two regional powers from spilling onto Syrian territory, according to the diplomatic source.

The meeting focused on practical steps to reduce tensions while exploring ways to return to negotiations, with the Syrian side stressing that any security arrangements must respect Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and sovereign rights.

Israel struck the Abu al-Duhur military airport in northwestern Syria on Tuesday, saying Damascus was preparing to allow Turkish forces to deploy there, a claim denied by Syria and Türkiye.

IANS