Syria, Israel Resume US-Mediated Security Talks in Jordan

Syria and Israel held high-level, U.S.-mediated talks in Jordan on Sunday, seeking to reduce tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory and revive negotiations toward a security agreement, Syria’s state news agency SANA reported.

Citing a Syrian foreign ministry diplomatic source, SANA said discussions centered on practical measures to halt Israeli airstrikes, arrests and targeted operations. Officials also explored restarting security negotiations that could eventually provide a foundation for a broader agreement between Syria and Israel.

The meeting also addressed tensions between Israel and Turkey, with both sides discussing ways to prevent their rivalry from spilling into Syria.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani said Saturday that Damascus expected security negotiations with Israel to resume soon, despite persistent mistrust. Talks were suspended following the outbreak of the Iran war, while Syria halted contact after Israeli strikes on the Abu al-Duhur airbase last week.

Washington has spent more than a year attempting to broker a security agreement between Israel and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government.

According to Shaibani, Syria and Israel had reached agreement on “almost everything” on paper earlier this year, including proposed security zones in southern Syria and a buffer zone limited to United Nations forces. However, Damascus remained uncertain whether Israel would implement the terms.

During Sunday’s talks, Syria reiterated its demand for Israel to withdraw to positions held before Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8, 2024, and called for full restoration of the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Damascus also rejected any arrangement limiting its ability to rebuild its military or determine its alliances. Syria maintained that the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights remain Syrian territory, while saying negotiations over their final status were premature.

Israel has repeatedly struck Syrian military facilities since Assad’s fall, arguing the operations are necessary for national security. Damascus denies threatening Israel and has demanded an end to Israeli strikes and incursions.

Syria and Israel have technically remained at war since 1948. Israel captured the Golan Heights during the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed the territory, a move recognized by the United States but rejected by most of the international community.