Syria and Israel held high-level, US-mediated talks in Jordan on August 23, 2026, aiming to ease tensions after recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and included senior intelligence and military officials, while Israel's side featured key figures such as Mossad chief Roman Gofman [1, 2, 4, 5, 6].
The talks focused on creating practical mechanisms to halt Israeli strikes, arrests, and targeted operations inside Syria, and on reviving negotiations for a broader security agreement [1, 2, 3, 4, 6]. Delegates also discussed efforts to calm tensions between Israel and Turkey to prevent their rivalry from affecting Syrian territory [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].
Syria emphasized its sovereignty, declaring it has the right to rebuild and develop its armed forces and determine alliances without restrictions. A Syrian Foreign Ministry source said, "Syria is a sovereign state with the full right to rebuild and develop its national army and determine its alliances and partnerships in line with its national interests" and warned "any arrangements or mechanisms that would restrict these sovereign rights will not be accepted" [4].
Syria demanded an Israeli withdrawal to positions held before December 8, 2024, and full restoration of the 1974 disengagement agreement. Another Syrian official stated, "The immediate priority is the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the lines held before Dec. 8, 2024, and the reactivation and full implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement" [6]. Syria reiterated that the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights are Syrian territory, but said discussions on its final status remain premature [1, 4, 6].
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government in December 2024, Israel has carried out numerous strikes on Syrian military sites [1, 4]. The talks followed an Israeli strike on Syria's Abu al-Duhur airbase in northwestern Idlib on August 17, 2026. Israel claimed the strike targeted Turkish troop deployments, which Syria and Turkey deny [1, 4, 5, 6].
Talks had been suspended since the Iran war began, with Syria cutting off contact after the recent Israeli airbase attack [1, 2]. The United States has sought for over a year to broker a security agreement between Israel and Syria’s government under President Ahmed al-Sharaa [1, 4].
Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani acknowledged the challenge in talks, commenting on "双方缺乏信任" (a lack of mutual trust) between the sides [2].
The resumed talks aimed at setting a foundation for further agreements to stabilize the region and prevent military escalations. Further discussions are expected to continue following this initial session, though no specific dates have yet been announced [1, 3, 4].
