Syrian, Israeli Officials Hold Rare Paris Talks for Southern Syria De-escalation

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani held a rare direct meeting with an Israeli delegation in Paris, mediated by the United States, to discuss de-escalation measures, regional stability, and the reactivation of the 1974 disengagement agreement governing the buffer zone in the Golan Heights. The talks also addressed efforts to uphold a fragile ceasefire in Syria’s Suwayda province, an area experiencing violent clashes, and emphasized non-interference in Syria's internal affairs. This diplomatic engagement follows a trilateral meeting in Amman involving Syria, Jordan, and the U.S. aimed at supporting the Suwayda ceasefire and working towards a broader resolution of Syria’s conflict. The rare acknowledgment of these talks by Syrian state media marks a tactical shift influenced by the costs of war and the roles of Russia and Iran in the region. The United States, supporting these efforts, views them as aligned with President Donald Trump's vision of a prosperous Middle East featuring a stable Syria at peace with its neighbors, including Israel. Meanwhile, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi also engaged in talks with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the pursuit of a lasting ceasefire and humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza.