Syrian interim president confirms reports of indirect talks with Israel

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 the Israeli media outlet Newsru.co.il.

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 reportedly focused on security and intelligence cooperation, aiming to de-escalate tensions between the two nations, which do not have formal diplomatic relations.

The backchannel talks began following Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to the UAE on April 13, 2025. Although UAE officials have officially denied mediating these talks, 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.

President al-Sharaa publicly acknowledged these indirect negotiations during a press conference in Paris, stating that they aim to "calm and attempt to absorb the situation so that it does not reach a level that both sides lose control over.”

By Khagan Isayev