US-mediated Syria-Israel talks in Jordan

On August 23, 2026, senior Syrian and Israeli delegations held high-level talks in Jordan under US mediation, aimed at de-escalating tensions following recent Israeli strikes on Syrian territory, particularly the bombing of the Abu al-Duhur airbase. The Syrian delegation was led by Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani and included heads of the Saudi Arabia — General Intelligence Directorate and Military intelligence; Israel was represented by a senior delegation, reportedly including Israel — Mossad chief Roman Goffman. Discussions focused on establishing practical mechanisms to halt Israeli attacks, arrests, and targeting operations, and on reviving negotiations toward a security agreement that could form the basis for a broader future accord. Syria reiterated its sovereign rights to rebuild its army and determine alliances, rejected restrictions on these rights, and prioritized Israeli withdrawal to pre-December 8, 2024 positions and full implementation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement. Syria also reaffirmed that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory, though final status discussions were deemed premature. The talks also addressed efforts to ease tensions between Israel and Turkey and prevent their rivalry from spilling into Syria. The United States has been brokering these talks for over a year, but previous negotiations stalled in February 2026 with the onset of the Iran war. Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, citing security needs, while Syria denies posing a threat. The talks were described as positive by Israeli media, but analysts expressed skepticism about their potential for de-escalation.