Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa Seeks Security Deal With Israel

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that Damascus is seeking a security agreement with Israel to potentially establish a gateway toward comprehensive peace. The proposed deal involves several other countries and would not compromise Syrian claims to the Golan Heights. This diplomatic move follows frequent Israeli strikes and incursions in southern Syria since al-Sharaa assumed power in December 2024.

On other regional matters, al-Sharaa denied rumors of Syrian military intervention in Lebanon. He expressed support for the Lebanese state's monopoly on weapons and its efforts to reclaim occupied territories. Regarding international relations, he noted that lifting U.S. economic sanctions would remain ineffective unless Syria is removed from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Domestically, the President confirmed the government's commitment to an agreement with the Syrian Democratic Forces. He also established a special committee dedicated to identifying individuals who went missing during the Syrian war between 2011 and 2024.