Syrian interim president confirms reports of indirect talks with Israel UAE denies involvement / updated

Syrian Transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa has stated that he is holding indirect negotiations with Israel through mediators.

The goal of these talks is to defuse tensions and prevent an uncontrolled escalation of the situation by either side, Caliber.Az reports, citing American media.

“There are indirect negotiations (with Israel) via mediators to calm and contain the situation so matters don’t reach a point where both sides lose control,” Al-Sharaa said at a news conference in Paris.

Al-Sharaa, who is currently visiting France, accused Israel of violating the 1974 ceasefire agreement, emphasising that Syria is adhering to it.

Reuters reported on May 7, 2025, that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has facilitated secret indirect talks between Syria and Israel. These discussions are focused on security and intelligence cooperation, aiming to de-escalate tensions between the two nations, which do not have formal diplomatic relations.

Sources close to the matter indicate that the UAE is acting as an intermediary to help Syria's new leadership manage its increasingly strained relationship with Israel.

The backchannel talks began following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to the UAE on April 13, 2025. 

However, Lana Nusseibeh, UAE Assistant Foreign Minister for Political Affairs and Foreign Minister's Envoy, has denied mediating these talks, saying: "The claim that the UAE is ‘mediating secret talks’ between Syria and Israel is categorically false. The UAE is not part of any such talks." 

By Khagan Isayev