In a significant and rapid diplomatic development, Syria anticipates finalizing crucial security and military agreements with Israel before the close of this year. This would represent a remarkable breakthrough, occurring less than a year after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
A Syrian Foreign Ministry official revealed on Thursday (September 18, 2025) that Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani has traveled to Washington. His agenda includes discussions on ongoing negotiations with Israel and the potential removal of outstanding sanctions against Syria, all under the active encouragement of the United States, which is pushing for a comprehensive settlement between the two long-standing adversaries.
Historically, Syria and Israel have been in a state of war. However, following the collapse of the Assad regime last December at the hands of an Islamist-led coalition, direct talks between the two nations commenced, paving the way for the current diplomatic efforts.
Speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, the official confirmed substantial “progress in the talks with Israel.” He further indicated that “several agreements” are expected to be signed “by the end of the year.”
The core focus of these anticipated accords, the official told AFP, would be “security and military agreements.” A key component, he elaborated, involves “an agreement to halt Israeli military operations inside Syria,” signaling a potential de-escalation of regional tensions.