Damascus – Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shabbani held discussions with US Special Envoy to Syria, Tom Barak, on Tuesday, as the Trump administration seeks to de-escalate tensions between Damascus and Tel Aviv. The meeting comes amid rising concerns over recent Israeli incursions into Syrian territory.
According to a statement released by the Syrian Foreign Ministry, Minister al-Shabbani received Envoy Barak in Damascus. Discussions focused on “regional developments and strengthening joint cooperation between Syria and the United States in a manner that serves mutual interests.” The statement emphasized the importance of stability in the region and the need for peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts.
Separately, sources indicate that Envoy Barak and other US officials have engaged in tense discussions with Israeli counterparts regarding the situation in Syria. These conversations reportedly aim to discourage further escalation and promote a return to diplomatic channels.
The recent tensions stem from an incident in Beit Jinn, a town in the Damascus countryside, where an Israeli patrol reportedly crossed into Syrian territory. Clashes ensued, resulting in casualties. Subsequent Israeli airstrikes in the area have further inflamed the situation, drawing condemnation from Damascus and raising concerns among international observers.
President Trump recently urged Israel to maintain a “strong and genuine dialogue” with Damascus. He stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could hinder Syria’s development into a prosperous nation.
DZWatch has been closely following diplomatic efforts to establish security arrangements that would lead to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Syrian buffer zone occupied in December 2024. While the Syrian government has not posed a direct threat to Tel Aviv, Israel continues to conduct ground incursions and airstrikes, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to Syrian military assets.
The meeting between Minister al-Shabbani and Envoy Barak represents a crucial step in ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation of the conflict. The United States’ role as a mediator remains critical in fostering dialogue and promoting a peaceful resolution to the complex issues at play. DZWatch will continue to provide updates on this developing situation.
