Jordan hosted high-level talks between Syrian and Israeli delegations aimed at reducing tensions in Syrian territory. The Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, and the meeting was held under U.S. mediation.
Senior officials from Syria’s General Intelligence Directorate and Military Intelligence Directorate also attended the talks. The meeting sought to prevent further escalation following Israel’s recent airstrikes and to contribute to regional stability.
Mechanism to end the attacks
The sides considered establishing practical security mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, detention operations and attacks against targets. These mechanisms are intended to lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive agreement through a negotiation process that will resume.
Syria’s sovereignty requirement
The Syrian delegation argued that, as a sovereign state, Syria has the right to rebuild and develop its army in line with its national interests. The Damascus administration said it would not accept any agreement or mechanism that would restrict its sovereign rights.
The talks also reaffirmed the position that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory. The Syrian side said it was premature to address the region’s final status at this stage.
Damascus’s demands
The Syrian administration identified the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the positions they held before December 8, 2024, as a priority. Damascus also called for the 1974 Disengagement of Forces Agreement to be reinstated and fully implemented.