Foreign Intervention and Syria’s External Relations

The United States officially removed Syria from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, ending related sanctions after a congressional review with no objections. This move, welcomed by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharrah and US officials, aims to encourage investment and economic recovery in Syria. The US Treasury also delisted Hayat Tahrir al-Sham as a terrorist organization. Despite the removal, the US maintains its commitment to combating global terrorism and holding bad actors accountable in Syria. The decision is seen as a significant step toward Syria's reintegration into the global economy and international community.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani announced that Damascus anticipates the resumption of security negotiations with Israel soon, aiming for an agreement that would lead to Israeli withdrawal from Syrian territory. Despite current distrust following recent Israeli airstrikes on Syrian bases, Syria remains open to diplomacy and emphasizes the need to halt Israeli attacks. The proposed security deal includes Israeli non-aggression and withdrawal commitments, but progress has stalled due to Israel's reluctance. The U.S. continues to encourage dialogue, seeking mechanisms to prevent conflict escalation in the region.

Syria has publicly announced it is studying the possibility of joining the Mecca Agreement for joint defense, which includes Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. While no final decision has been made, the move comes amid increasing security pressures and escalating Turkish-Israeli competition over Syria's security arrangements. Analysts suggest Syria seeks defensive support and stronger regional alliances, though concerns remain about potential escalation and Israel's negative reaction. Syria's military rebuilding phase and geopolitical sensitivities mean any accession would be carefully weighed before formal commitment.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Sheibani and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held a phone call to discuss recent regional developments and updates related to the Higher Coordination Council between Syria and Jordan. During the conversation, Safadi condemned Israeli violations on Syrian territory. Both ministers emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.

An Israeli military patrol advanced towards the Bat al-Warda hill near Beit Jinn in the western countryside of Damascus on August 18, 2026. The incursion is part of ongoing Israeli operations in southern and western Damascus regions, following recent airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur military airport in Idlib. No official Syrian or Israeli statements have been released regarding the patrol's size or objectives. These actions continue amid heightened Israeli military activity across Syria after the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Iraq's Chief Justice Faiq Zidan met with Syrian President Ahmad al-Shar' and Syrian officials in Damascus to discuss enhanced judicial cooperation. The talks focused on Syrian detainees transferred from the al-Hol camp to Iraqi prisons, with both sides agreeing to form joint judicial committees for ongoing case management. They also discussed exchanging legal expertise and preparing future memoranda of understanding to strengthen bilateral judicial collaboration.

Syria and Russia have signed a memorandum of understanding to reorganize the Russian military presence in Syria, particularly at the Hmeimim airbase and the Tartus naval facility. The agreement transitions these sites from traditional military bases to joint training and qualification centers, with civilian management of key infrastructure like the Hmeimim airport and Tartus commercial port. This marks a new phase in bilateral relations, aiming to enhance cooperation in reconstruction and economic sectors while redefining military roles and reducing previous extensive Russian privileges.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) has documented 20 Israeli military incursions and movements in the governorates of Daraa and Quneitra over the past week. The operations included land-clearing activities, the establishment of checkpoints, and aerial patrols, with the Observatory warning that these actions are aimed at imposing new realities on the ground along the border strip.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharrah held a phone call to discuss regional and international developments, focusing on efforts to reduce tensions and enhance security and stability in the region. Syria condemned attacks on Saudi oil facilities by Iran-backed militias in Iraq and reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia's security and sovereignty. The leaders also reviewed bilateral relations and explored ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Israeli forces carried out a military incursion into the villages of Ma'riya and Al-Arida in southern Syria's Daraa countryside, establishing a military checkpoint and distributing warning leaflets to locals. This operation follows repeated Israeli airstrikes and incursions in the region, despite ongoing direct ministerial negotiations between Syria and Israel. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, visiting Syria, condemned violations of Syrian sovereignty and stressed the importance of respecting Syria's territorial integrity, amid concerns over Israeli actions near the Golan Heights.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, concluding his visit to Syria, urged the immediate and complete removal of sanctions imposed during Bashar al-Assad's rule. He welcomed recent steps to ease sanctions but emphasized that all should be lifted promptly to support Syria's economic recovery and transition. Guterres highlighted the need for sustained international political and economic support, investment in Syria's infrastructure and institutions, and respect for Syria's sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions, including Israeli violations of the 1974 disengagement agreement.

Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shar'a announced that Damascus is pursuing a security agreement with Israel involving multiple countries. He indicated that the success of this agreement could pave the way for comprehensive peace without compromising Syria's rights over the Golan Heights. This development reflects Syria's efforts to engage in regional security arrangements amid ongoing diplomatic interactions, including meetings with Palestinian and Kuwaiti officials and upcoming visits by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to support Syria's political transition.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to take responsibility regarding the Syrian Golan through the UN Security Council, condemning Israeli violations and affirming support for Syria's sovereignty. During his visit to Damascus, Guterres emphasized Syria's recovery potential and the need for stability, while Syrian officials demanded an immediate Israeli withdrawal from occupied areas. The visit is seen as a practical test of the UN's role in Syria's transitional phase, with calls for enhanced cooperation, justice, and protection of human rights amid ongoing regional tensions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Syria for the first visit by a UN chief since 2009, aiming to support the country's political transition towards a more stable and inclusive state. During his visit, Guterres is meeting Syrian officials, civil society representatives, and UN peacekeeping forces, emphasizing the opportunity to build a prosperous future after over 13 years of conflict. The visit underscores the UN's commitment to assist Syria's government and people amid ongoing challenges, including displacement and regional tensions.