Syria expects direct talks with 'Israel' to resume soon, foreign minister says

Syria expects direct negotiations with 'Israel' to resume soon over a security agreement that Damascus hopes will lead to the withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from Syrian territory, Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani said.

Speaking to Reuters, Al-Shibani said Syria is seeking to seize what he described as a "historic opportunity" for diplomatic progress, while stressing that ending 'Israeli' attacks and rebuilding trust remain Damascus' immediate priorities.

The minister said negotiations were suspended following the latest confrontation between Iran and 'Israel', while communications broke down after an 'Israeli' strike targeted Abu Al-Duhur military airbase in Idlib.

Al-Shibani said the United States is continuing to pressure 'Israel' to return to the negotiating table. He said Damascus remains committed to diplomacy and regional stability, but stressed that Syria's security concerns and sovereignty must be respected.

He also called for an end to 'Israeli' air operations and arrests in southern Syria.

Security agreement

Al-Shibani said the two sides had nearly agreed on a draft security arrangement, but accused 'Israel' of avoiding its completion.

He said Damascus is currently focused on stopping what it described as initial 'Israeli' attacks before addressing broader issues, including peace negotiations and the occupied Golan Heights.

Regarding proposals by US envoy Thomas Barrack to establish a mechanism to prevent clashes, Al-Shibani said Syria rejects any arrangement that would formalize the current occupation.

He added that Syria is relying on Turkey and Saudi Arabia to support and train its military, while arguing that lasting stability cannot be achieved while 'Israeli' military operations continue.